Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE TO TURN

Q. Where can I turn for advice, information and help to meet the changing needs of a family member with a disability?
A. That's precisely why we exist. We have the knowledge and experience to help you understand your options, to connect you with needed resources, and to help you navigate the system. We encourage you to give us a call.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Q. Is financial assistance available to me?
A. Oftentimes, financial assistance is available through local, state and federal programs to individuals based on assessment of their disability and their ability to pay. We can help you determine your eligibility for funding assistance. Whether you have the means to pay for needed services, or if you are covered by insurance, or if you must rely on financial assistance, we can help you get the high quality, reliable services you need.

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Q. My elderly mother wants to live in her own home but needs help with some of the basic functions of self care and daily living. I'm worried about her safety and wellbeing. What can I do for her?
A. Maximizing someone's independence so they can continue to live in their own home is our specialty. Talk to one of our in-home personal care experts. And if there are apparent physical limitations, we can even help you make needed home modifications to support her independent-living needs.

MAKING THE ADJUSTMENT

Q. My husband was in an accident and is having a tough time coping with his disability. What can I do to help?
A. Even for people who have been born with a disability it's difficult to adapt to life's daily challenges. There are a number of ways we can help him make the adjustment and enable him to lead a happier and fuller life. For example -- we can provide in-home skills instruction, we can provide home modifications to increase his independence, and we can put him in touch with others who have been where he is. Also, we can help you manage the process. Don't expect him to ever accept it, instead help him live with it.

SOCIALIZATION

Q. My son has a disability that requires constant care from my husband and me. He doesn't have the opportunity to be with kids his own age and he lacks confidence and socialization skills. What can we do to build his self-esteem and allow him to experience a normal childhood?
A. Give us a call. We can help. We have youth sports, recreation and drama programs that are designed to engage and involve kids with disabilities. Some parents have found the UDS Service Dogs greatly increase socialization skills and self-esteem.

DOING THE RIGHT THING

Q. At work I come in contact with two people who use wheelchairs, and I'm never quite sure what to say and do, or when I should offer to help them. Any suggestions?
A. The basic rules of courtesy are the same whether the person has a disability or not. That means initiating conversations, opening doors, and helping them reach something. But here are some rules to guide you -- people have a disability, but are not defined by the disability. They are a person first and foremost. Don't say they are disabled or handicapped; rather say they have a disability. Pull up a chair and speak to them at their level. Always talk directly to them, not through the person with them. And don't lean on, push or touch their chair unless told to do so; their wheelchair isn't just a mode of operation, they live in it.