Center for Independent Living - Berkeley

02/07/2021

Happy Sunday! Here are the events we have going on this week. Check it out!

February 9th at 10:30 AM: COVID-19 Peer Support Groups for Seniors. Contact Grace at (510) 841-4776 or email [email protected] for more information.

February 10th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Work and Disability Benefits Meeting via Phone or Google Meet. Contact Robin at (510) 841-4776 or [email protected] for more information.

February 10th at 11:00 AM: WheelChat. Sign up at http://ow.ly/vXDL50DrzQU. Contact our CoCo Team at [email protected] if you have any questions.

February 11th at 10:00 AM: Webinar: Finding Affordable, Accessible Housing in the Bay Area. Register: http://ow.ly/Icju50DrzQS. Contact us at (510) 841-4776 or [email protected] if you have any questions about this event.

For more details about these events and to see our full calendar, go to TheCIL.org/calendar.

02/05/2021

Next Thursday at 10 AM (PST) on Zoom is our Housing Webinar. Because of it, we want to share this article with you about how it can be challenging to find an accessible home 30 years after signing the ADA: http://ow.ly/yNaM50DsqcS.

Featured in it is one of our upcoming panelists, Stephen Beard, Realtor and Accessible Specialist of The Beard Realty Team at Keller Williams Realty, Inc.

Learn more and register for our upcoming webinar at http://ow.ly/g1js50DsqcR.

02/03/2021

Leroy F. Moore, Jr. – Black Disabled Art History 101

February is Black History Month! Today, we want to feature a video with a Black Disabled Poet and the founder of Krip Hop Nation, Leroy F. Moore, Jr. He shared his children's book, "Black Disabled Art History 101" at his book reading event in 2018.

Video by Peter Menchini. Captioned by Cheryl Green.

Leroy F. Moore, Jr. – at SF Main Library (Feb 18/18) reading from his children book, Black Disabled Art History 101. Video by Peter Menchini. Captioned by C...

02/01/2021

Queer Crips United: LGBTQ+ Peer Support for People with Disabilities | TheCIL

This evening, Queer Crips United is meeting virtually at 7pm PST. Queer Crips United is a peer support group, hosted by Pacific Center and us, for people with disabilities in the LGBTQ+ community. They meet monthly, on the first Monday of the month. If you're interested in joining us, email [email protected].

A collaboration between TheCIL and Pacific Center for Human Growth confidential monthly, on the first Monday of the month, a peer support group for LGBTQ+ disabled folks, 18 years old and up!

01/31/2021

How was your weekend? We hope it was relaxing. It’s a new month starting tomorrow, and of course, a new week. Check out what’s going on with us:

Feb. 1 at 7 PM: Queer Crips United: LGBTQ+ Peer Support for People with Disabilities.

Feb. 2 at 10:30 AM: COVID-19 Peer Support Groups for Seniors.

Feb. 3 from 10 AM to 12 PM: Work and Disability Benefits Clinic.

Feb. 4 from 9 AM to 3 PM: One-On-One Housing Consultation.

Feb. 4 at 5:15 PM: Acquired Disability Peer Support Group.

For more details about these events and others, check out our Events Calendar at thecil.org/calendar.

01/30/2021

“An active mind is a healthy mind,” shared Jenni Fick, our Sr. Program Manager. “Find a new hobby that you can enjoy indoors, such as knitting, crosswords, or an online class.”

What have you been doing during the pandemic? Comment below.

#SaturdayThoughts #SaturdayVibes

01/28/2021

"'Normal' is about what you see everyday," said Stuart James, our Executive Director, last Saturday at the Ed Roberts Awards. "When we came up with our slogan, Be Your Own Normal, it was about taking ownership of what normal means. If you see people with disabilities out in the world, being a part of the community, playing, working, falling in love, getting married and becoming parents, it becomes normal."

What do you think? What does "normal" mean to you? Tell us at https://forms.gle/TFPCD7Mg3F65Fiyy9.

01/27/2021

URGENT: Town Hall to Advocate for COVID Vaccines for People With Disabilities

URGENT: Town Hall to Advocate for COVID Vaccines for People with Disabilities TODAY at 4:30 PM (PST) co-sponsored by California State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Disability Voices United, Disability Rights California, and ARCA - Association of Regional Center Agencies. Click the link for more information and to register: https://conta.cc/2LUQ9h7.

Wednesday, January 27 at 4:30 - 6 PM URGENT: Town Hall to Advocate for COVID Vaccines for People with Disabilities Wednesday, January 27, 2021 4:30 - 6 p.m. PT Co-sponsored by People with disabilities

01/26/2021

We recently added to our COVID-19 Resources webpage, COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Information in some California counties. Check it out at thecil.org/covid19resources.

The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone - including those without insurance and those who are undocumented. California is rolling out the vaccines in phases (1A,1B, 1C, 2) to Californians based on their risk level and the vaccination location’s supply.

The rollout is happening more slowly than anticipated due to limited vaccine supply and other issues. Disability advocates urge the governor to prioritize people who have disabilities and health conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19 in Phase 1B instead of waiting until Phase 1C. Hopefully, these and other issues will be remedied soon, and more people will be able to get vaccinated.

Below are websites with updated information about the vaccine rollout in California.

California has created a centralized pilot site called “My Turn” where CA residents can check to see when it is their turn to get the COVID-19 vaccine and sign up to be notified when it is their turn. https://myturn.ca.gov/ or https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/

You can also check your county website and your health provider’s website for information about the vaccine and how and when you’ll be able to schedule an appointment. Or call your health provider, but be prepared to possibly be “on hold” for a lengthy time.

01/23/2021

Happy #EdRobertsDay!

Tonight's the night! At 6:00pm PST, join us for free and virtually as we honor this years' five honorees at the Fifth Annual Ed Roberts Awards Ed Roberts Awards. Learn more and register for the ceremony at edrobertsawards.org.

Each year, we recognize individuals who carry the legacy of Ed Roberts in their work, activism, and contributions. We are looking forward to bringing everyone together virtually to cherish and celebrate Ed's memory and the work that continues to create a more inclusive, accessible, and just world.

01/21/2021

We're two days away from the Ed Roberts Awards. We’d like to announce our final honoree this year, Dr. Megan Kirshbaum. Dr. Kirshbaum will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Kirshbaum is the founder of Through the Looking Glass, which has provided services and advocated for improved national and international resources for families with disabilities for the last 38 years. Her role as a family therapist at Berkeley's CIL from 1974 to 1982 formed the work of Through the Looking Glass.

For more information about the award ceremony and to register, visit edrobertsawards.org.

01/20/2021

PPE Giveaway | TheCIL

We have exciting news for Alameda County residents! We are now offering PPE kits to be mailed to you. They will include a mask, face shield, and hand sanitizer. Please follow the link to fill out the request form by the 25th of each month.

TheCIL's in-person PPE Giveaways are temporarily canceled due to health and safety reasons. You can still request a mask delivery using our no-touch option by calling us at (510) 841-4776 or visiting our website at thecil.org/ppegiveaway.

01/19/2021

We’re pleased to introduce Joe Xavier, one of our 5th Annual Ed Roberts Awardees.

Joe is the director of the California Department of Rehabilitation, which provides services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for people with disabilities. He is also a father and a grandfather.

Join us this Saturday night for our 5th annual Ed Roberts Awards ceremonies – virtual and open to the public! RSVP and review donation packages at edrobertsawards.org.

01/17/2021

How's your weekend going? We have lot happening this week, including an office closure planned for tomorrow and our Fifth Annual Ed Roberts Awards on Saturday. Mark your calendars for the busy week ahead!

January 18th: All offices closed in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

January 19th at 10:30 AM: COVID-19 Peer Support Groups for Seniors. Contact Grace Wright at (510) 841-4776 or email [email protected] for more information.

January 19th at 4:30 PM: Personal Attendant Services Resource and Support Group via Google Meet. Contact Owen Kent to register at [email protected].

January 20th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Work and Disability Benefits Meeting via Phone or Google Meet. Contact Robin Earth at (510) 841-4776 or [email protected] for more information.

January 21st: Housing Consultations. To schedule an appointment, contact the receptionist at 510-841-4776 or email at [email protected].

January 21st at 11:00 AM: Trip Planning Workshop. To schedule an appointment, contact the receptionist at 510-841-4776 or email at [email protected].

January 21st at 5:15 PM: Acquired Disability Peer Support Group via Google Meet. Contact the receptionist at 510-841-4776 or email at [email protected].

January 23rd at 6:00 PM: Fifth Annual Ed Roberts Awards. For more information and to register, go to edrobertsawards.org.

#TheCIL #CenterForIndependentLiving #Oakland #Berkeley #Disability #DisabilityAwareness #BayAreaHousing #PeerSupport #DisabilitySupport #BayAreaResources

01/15/2021

John Benson, our Residential Access Coordinator, has been called the "Angel of Berkeley" for his dedication to helping anyone at any time – no matter the circumstance. We're thrilled to announce this mini-documentary featuring him and his work in the community.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/VdKiRNr7I80

01/13/2021

This year's Joan Leon Award honoree is Martin Paley for his many decades of support for TheCIL.

Martin Paley was the CEO of the San Francisco Foundation from 1974 to 1986, and provided essential funding for TheCIL and other Bay Area disability rights organizations in their most formative years.

Visit edrobertsawards.org for more information and to register for this event.

01/12/2021

Share this post to spread the word with our fellow Bay Area residents! In conjunction with our Community Connections program, we welcome you to join us for the following virtual, public events in the coming days:

⭐ Wheelchair Marking & Tether Strap Program on 1/13 at 11AM
⭐ Travel Safety Workshop on 1/14 at 11AM
⭐ Trip Planning Workshop on 1/21 at 11AM

Our Wheelchair Marking and Tether Strap Program is a bi-monthly free, online workshop with AC Transit where you will learn how to identify securement points on all types of mobility devices, what AC Transit mobility device securement procedures are, and receive their COVID-19 and accessibility updates.

The Travel Safety Workshop provides you the knowledge to stay more safely from coronavirus on public transit.

The Trip Planning Workshop prepares you to use Google Maps and the Transit App to plan your trips ahead of time and travel smoothly to where you need to go and back home.

Interested in attending? Go to thecil.org/calendar for more information and to register.

01/11/2021

Help support local businesses at this year's 5th Annual Ed Roberts Awards. When you register and donate, you'll receive gift cards to some of the following restaurants: Comal, Proyecto Diaz, TCHO Chocolate, and Oakland Honey Company. You'll also receive a gift basket.

You can view donation tiers and register for this event at edrobertsawards.org.

Thank you for supporting us – your generosity impacts our entire community.

01/10/2021

We hope you're having a restful weekend. Tomorrow starts a new week. Here's our virtual events for this week:

January 12th at 10:30 AM: COVID-19 Peer Support Groups for Older Adults.

January 13th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMWork and Disability Benefits Clinic via Phone or Google Meet.

January 13th at 11:00 AM: Wheelchair Marking and Tether Strap Program Online Workshop.

January 14th at 11:00AM, Travel Safety online workshop for advice on navigating essential errands on public transit in the Bay Area.

For more information about these events and other ones in January, visit thecil.org/calendar.

01/08/2021

One of this year's Ed Roberts Awards honorees is Dr. Kara Ayers, in recognition of her work serving families with disabilities.

Dr. Ayers is a co-founder of the Disabled Parenting Project a peer-to-peer support network for parents with disabilities, and the Associate Director of the UC UCEDD.

Registration is now open for the Fifth Annual Ed Roberts Awards, open to the public and held virtually on Saturday, January 23rd, 2021. For more information and to register, visit edrobertsawards.org.

01/07/2021

On Saturday, January 23, 2021, at 6:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time), we will be honoring individuals who carry Ed Roberts's legacy in their work, activism, and contributions.

The focus of this year's Ed Roberts Awards is the intersection of disability and parenting. We are looking forward to bringing everyone together virtually to cherish and celebrate Ed's memory and the work that continues to create a more inclusive, accessible, and just world.

Register at edrobertsawards.org.

01/05/2021

Each year, we honor individuals who carry the legacy of Ed Roberts in their work, activism, and contributions. The focus of this year's Ed Roberts Awards is the intersection of disability and parenting.

One of our honorees this year is Brandon Young. Brandon has a decade of service with disability organizations, such as Hatlen Center for the Blind, LightHouse for the Blind - San Francisco Bay Area, and TheCIL. He played goalball at the 2000 Paralympic Games, and now works at First 5 Alameda County. He is a father of two young children.

Registration is now open for the Fifth Annual Ed Roberts Awards, held virtually on Saturday, January 23rd, 2021. Visit edrobertsawards.org for more information and to register.

01/03/2021

Here's what's happening at TheCIL this week:

January 4th from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. For more information: email [email protected].

January 5th from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: COVID-19 Peer Support Groups for Seniors. Contact Grace Wright at (510) 841-4776 or email [email protected] for more information.

January 6th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Work and Disability Benefits Meeting via Phone or Google Meet. Contact Robin Earth at (510) 841-4776 or [email protected] for more information.

January 7th: Housing Consultations. To schedule an appointment, contact the receptionist at 510-841-4776 or email at [email protected].

January 7th from 5:15 PM – 6:45 PM: Acquired Disability Support Group via Google Meet. Contact Roma with any questions or to pre-register at [email protected].

01/01/2021

Happy New Year!

We’re excited to announce that the theme for this year’s 5th Annual Ed Roberts Awards is the intersection of disability and parenting. We’ll be honoring five individuals whose work has increased awareness, collaboration, and opportunity among parents with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and our community as a whole.

Stay tuned for more details.

12/31/2020

It’s the last day of 2020! As we step out of this chapter and into the new year, we want to say thank you to our members, our followers, donors and our entire community for your ongoing support. We’re so grateful for all of you.

We will be keeping our offices closed, until further notice, through April 1st. However, we’re still working remotely and hosting virtual events and 1-on-1 meetings.

Please visit our website at thecil.org for more information. Happy new year!

12/28/2020

The CIL | Donate

One of the easiest ways to support our programs and the work we do for our community is by donating as low as $5 per month! Please consider becoming a recurring monthly donor – your support helps us all-year-round, without the upfront commitment!

Support and empower people with disabilities. Donate to The CIL today.

12/27/2020

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend! This week we're back with some of our usual programs.

December 29th from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: COVID-19 Peer Support Groups for Seniors. Contact Grace Wright at (510) 841-4776 or email [email protected] for more information.

December 30th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Work and Disability Benefits Clinic via Phone or Google Meet. Contact Robin Earth at (510) 841-4776 or [email protected] for more information.

January 1st: We're closed for New Year's Day.

12/26/2020

People With Disabilities Deserve Great Style — & I’ve Made It My Life’s Work

“What I’m doing now is creating the content that I want to see at the intersection of fashion and disability. That intersection doesn't exist in the way that I want it to — all of these ideas that I've had over the years that I've been waiting for other people to partner with me to bring to pass, I'm just going to do them myself," says Stephanie Thomas, the founder of Disability Fashion Styling platform Cur8able and one of our Ed Roberts Award's recipients this past January.

Read about Stephanie's mission to successfully provide the 1 in 4 Americans with a disability with personalized, accessible clothing.

#AccessibleFashion #Cur8able #DisabilityFashion #Fashion #FashionStylist #PersonalStylist #Disability #accessibility

Stephanie Thomas has been making people with disabilities look and feel their best through for nearly as long as the Americans With Disabilities Act has been in place. 28 years later, she's finally starting to take her own advice.