September 2017 Newsletter
New SCI webpage – The Sonoma County SCI Support Group has a new webpage, developed in conjunction with NorCal SCI – check it out at www.norcalsci/sonoma-county. You can also find us on FaceBook at “Sonoma County SCI Support Group”.
On Friday, October 13, 2017, the Disability Services and Legal Center will hold its 12th Annual Northern California Tech Expo from 10 AM – 3 PM at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Exhibitors will display products and services of assistive technology devices, modified vehicles, transportation services, home modification options, sexual health, adaptive equipment, funding resources, alternative medicine and more.
Sonoma County Regional Parks is offering a wheelchair accessible Eco-Access program on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 10 AM-12 PM at Riverfront Regional Park in Healdsburg Towering redwoods, bird songs, and waterside breezes await you! If you are looking for a peaceful nature walk designed especially for people who use wheelchairs call (707) 565-7888.
Transport Care is a resource in Sonoma County with which you may not be familiar. It provides door-to-door non-emergency medical and non-medical transportation to the elderly and those with disabilities. Specialized transportation includes individuals using wheelchairs, as well as those with other limitations. They assist clients from time of pick-up to drop-off, making sure they arrive at their appointment safely and on time. Drivers are certified and professionally trained on loading and unloading wheelchair users safely. If would like more information visit http://www.transportcare1.com/
The next meeting of the Sonoma County SCI Support Group will be held on Monday, September 18, 2017 from 4 – 5:30 pm in the Clubhouse of the Azure Apartment complex in Petaluma (7 Indigo Drive). Newcomers welcome!
The San Francisco Bay Area Spinal Network is hosting a presentation on Enforcing California Disability Rights Laws Through Small Claims Courts. The event will take place at the Ed Roberts Center in Berkeley from 6 - 8:30 PM on September 14, 2017. A guide to using the complaint process through the small claims court has recently been completed and there will be a walk-through on how to file these kinds of suits to address businesses non-compliance with disability rights laws. There is a way to participate through a conference call line beginning at 7 PM. Call 415-655-0381 and enter access code 649375826#.
The Challenged Athletes Fund seeks to provide physically disabled children and adults with the tools they need to pursue active and healthy lifestyles. Expensive equipment or training shouldn’t be the biggest hurdle athletes face in their endeavors. Access for Athletes is committed to helping athletes overcome financial impediments by providing funding grants for equipment, training, coaching and competition costs. The online funding application is available from September 1 through December 1, 2017. All applicants will be notified of their award status in April 2018. For more information about the Access for Athletes program contact them at cafgrant@challengedathletes.org .
The Sonoma County SCI Support Group, their family and friends enjoy a night out bowling at AMF Boulevard Lanes in Petaluma on Saturday, August 19, hosted by the SCI Active Network.
Mission of the Sonoma County SCI Support Group
To assist those newly injured with spinal cord injury or disease as well as those who continue to be affected by long-standing disabilities. We meet the third Monday of the month at the Azure Apartments Clubhouse, 7 Indigo Drive - Petaluma from 4:00 to 5:30 pm.
We are here to support each other in every way possible by providing useful, up-to-date information about services and products as well as an atmosphere that allows for discussion of personal challenges and solutions to everyday problems.
Contact person: Stan Kosloski – 860-614-8351 or stankosloski@gmail.com