REACH Resource Centers on Independent Living

REACH Resource Centers for Independent Living is different from many other organizations that assist people with disabilities. First and foremost, REACH is peer-based. This means that the staff and governing board of directors is composed primarily of people, who are themselves disabled. This is important, because those setting policy and providing services have personal knowledge and experience with the obstacles and issues that may arise as the result of one’s disability. Secondly, REACH provides services to any individual living in the counties of Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, or Denton regardless of their race, age, or the type of disability they may have. Thirdly, assistance offered by REACH is free of charge.

 The goal of the organization is to aid consumers, who are disabled to achieve the personal goals they have for their lives and address any barriers that may block their independence and self-efficiency.

 Services available through REACH:

• Anyone can contact REACH for information and resources related to a disability.
• Donated medical equipment is provided to individuals in need.
• REACH staff can assist individuals with disabilities access benefits and services.
• Individual and group support for people with disabilities.
• REACH staff assisting individuals live self directed lives
• Tarrant county residents, who have mobility limitations may qualify for assistance to install ramps, grab bars, or other home modifications.
• Workshops and training sessions on a variety of independent living topics.

SUCCESS STORIES

The following are examples of how REACH has worked with consumers. REACH was contacted by a sixty-two-year-old woman, who had been in a nursing home for approximately one year due to a stroke. She stated that she wanted to leave the first day she was admitted. The woman has both physical and cognitive limitations as a result of the stroke and was very depressed. She indicated that the nursing home staff were not unkind but did not seem to like to help patients. She also reported that many of her personal belongings, including her purse, had been taken. The REACH relocation specialist worked with the woman to find an assisted living center near her daughter in Arlington. REACH also provided needed furnishings, household supplies, and personal items. In a thank you note, the woman said that her new living space is beautiful, staff is cheerful and helpful,  and that she can lock her door when she wants to.

A woman assisted by REACH to obtain a ramp at her home reported that she had back surgery in July of 2021. The following month, she was in the hospital  for five days with sepsis. Her husband also had physical issues that limited his mobility. The couple found it extremely difficult to get in and out of their house because of the steps.  They held on to the door to gain security.  The woman had to walk sideways and her husband went down backward.  If he had fallen and hit his head, it could have been deadly.  A friend shared information about REACH and they applied for assistance through Project Ramp. The consumer wrote the following message: “We now have a beautiful ramp. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. I have never been treated so kindly in my life.  Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart."