LEWISTON – Alpha One will host two educational seminars that have been developed to assist consumers, their families and service providers to learn about resources, products and services available to people with disabilities and seniors to help meet needs for living independently in the community.

“Making Your Home Accessible”: Denis Pratt, AIA and access specialist, and Ketra Crosson, OTR/L and independent living specialist at Alpha One, will discuss how to determine one’s needs for access based on disability or limitations and how to survey one’s home for accessibility.

It will include a PowerPoint presentation of a variety of access solutions, products and funding information for home owners and renters. Brenda Weeks of Auburn will share her experiences with making her home accessible. It will include a video tour of the changes she made. The workshop will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, June 15, at the CareerCenter.

“Funding Assistive Technology and Adaptive Equipment”: Ketra Crosson, OTR/L, will discuss how technology can make a difference in a person’s independence and participation in community life.

Examples of technology include typical things such as walkers, wheelchairs and hearing aids, but also computers, communication devices, adapted vehicles, stairlifts, visual aids and sports wheelchairs. Participants will learn about funding sources, including insurance, grants, loans and other resources. Information will be provided on how they work, what is covered and how to go about getting the needed equipment. The seminar will feature a show and tell of a low cost, low tech adaptive equipment items.

The workshop will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, June 29, at the CareerCenter. The CareerCenter is wheelchair accessible. Somali or other language interpreters and sign language interpreters are available upon request.

Seminars are open to the public. Continuing education units are also available. To preregister for classes or to request an interpreter, contact Ketra Crosson at Alpha One. 800-640-7200, ext. 251, or [email protected].

For more information on Alpha One, visit www.alphaonenow.org.