For Government

Integration occurs when government officials, as well as the general public, understand the needs of people with disabilities. Working at the local and national level with entities such as the D.C. Medical Assistance Administration, the D.C. City Council, the National Rehabilitation Hospital, the D.C. Long Term Care Coalition, local Independent Living Centers, the D.C. Nursing Board, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services, the National Council on Independent Living, the National Spinal Cord Association, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, and local advocates, we link policy makers, the community and end users.

Having knowledge of both disability issues and policy development, allows us to provide legislators suggestions that lead to the implementation of effective policy. We believe it is important to create a system that serves both government requirements as well as the actual needs, as opposed to the perceived needs, of individuals with disabilities. 

Government agencies need guidance on how to enhance people's potential and help with their community outreach efforts. The key to successful policies and programs that serve the community of people with disabilities is mutual understanding. All too often programs are designed by policymakers who do not necessarily have enough knowledge about the world of disabilities. Additionally, community members are unfamiliar with the process and limitations of creating laws. Help-Your-Self can increase communication and augment everyone's familiarity with the facts by doing the following (in alphabetical order):

• Analyze past, present and future policies
• Conduct community forums
• Conduct sensitivity training for management and staff
• Create community advisory boards
• Design integration programs
• Help develop policies
• Implement community integration and independent living programs
• Reduce cross agency conflicts
• Review grants
• Write grants

Our services are run by individuals trained in the field of disability awareness and rehabilitation. Some have disabilities, and some do not; all of our staff have direct experience with disabling conditions and are professionals in the development and implementation of programs, policies, and services geared towards increasing the productivity of people with disabilities.

We focus on the following issues (in alphabetical order):

• Adaptive Equipment
• Assistive Technology
• Community Integration
• Direct Care Service
• Education
• Employment Issues
• Housing
• Independent Living
• Prevention of Injuries
• Recreation Opportunities
• Research
• Self-Directed Care
• Transportation
• Work Incentives
• Workplace Accommodations