LILA is a cross-disability, consumer driven organization. Our goal is to help people with disabilities achieve as much choice, access, inclusion and independence as possible. We invite you to learn more about the many programs LILA offers and to consider becoming a voting member of LILA. Working together, we can break down societal barriers so that all people with disabilities are free to fulfill their potential.
Northwest ADA Center-Oregon
LILA, through our program Northwest ADA Center-Oregon (formerly known as ADA Info-Oregon), serves as the Oregon anchor for the regional Northwest ADA Center. Northwest ADA Center-Oregon provides factual, confidential information to the general public regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act and its provisions. Information is provided in three ways:
- Answering telephone inquiries (541-607-7020) about the ADA and sending printed information upon request.
- Offering trainings to businesses and consumers on the ADA and its provisions.
- Providing access surveys to businesses, non-profits and government agencies to determine compliance with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines upon request.
Northwest ADA Center-Oregon can be reached by telephone at the LILA general number (541-607-7020).
Contact: Eugene Organ – eorgan@lilaoregon.org
Blue Path
For upcoming events, such as fundraisers, conferences, workshops, and our annual meeting, click here for information.
LILA, through its Northwest ADA Center-Oregon program, launched the Blue Path program in Lane County. The program is a partnership between places of public accommodation and the disability community. Area businesses are encouraged to participate by conducting an accessibility evaluation of their operation. If approved for Blue Path membership, the establishment is recognized as basically accessible and welcoming to patrons with disabilities.
Blue Path members are listed on a website which is managed by the Northwest ADA Center Regional DBTAC at the University of Washington. The website can serve as a marketing tool for potential customers with disabilities. Persons with disabilities can then offer comments about the accessibility and disability friendliness experienced at member businesses.
LILA also offers training opportunities and consultation for Blue Path member businesses.
Twenty-one Lane County businesses became Blue Path members at our Blue Path inauguration on October 1, 2009. Governor Kulongoski issued a proclamation declaring that day “Blue Path to Accessible Business Day” in Oregon. Secretary of State Kate Brown and Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy attended a media event to launch the program and to “roll out” a blue carpet to acknowledge the Blue Path program and its Lane County members. LILA is the Blue Path coordinator for Oregon.
Contact: Eugene Organ – eorgan@lilaoregon.org
Consumer Outreach Program
Reaching out to unserved and underserved communities in Lane County, namely Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Minority, Rural, Homeless and Youth. Bringing LILA’s services to those who live outside the Eugene/Springfield area.
Contact: Elizabeth Bennett – ebennett@lilaoregon.org
Disability Navigator Program
Disability Navigators:
- Assist consumers to use the resources at The Workforce Network.
- Provide information and referral to programs, services, and resources.
- Help consumers understand Social Security and other benefits, and the effect of employment on benefits.
People who experience multiple barriers to employment can benefit from Career and Resource Mapping (CRM). Call the Disability Navigator Line, 541-686-7503, for more information.
The Disability Navigators also guide the One-Stop Career Center staff in helping people with disabilities access and navigate the various programs that impact their ability to gain/retain jobs. The Disability Navigators bring together multiple partners to foster a collaborative effort by creating Integrated Resource Teams to address individual barriers to employment.
Contact: Johann Mueller – jmueller@lilaoregon.org
Bo Reitz – boreitz@lilaoregon.org
This volunteer-staffed program has been discontinued due to increased options for news accessible to the blind and visually impaired. The final day was April 26.
Independent Living Skills Training – Free Classes
LILA offers free classes for anyone with a disability. These include:
- All You Need to Know About Applying for SSI/SSDI Benefits
- Housing 101 – How to Find a Place to Live
- Practical Money Skills Class – Learn How to Manage Your Money
More information is available here .
Contact: Aaron Saldana – asaldana@lilaoregon.org
Information and Referral (I & R)
Information and referrals on housing, rent issues, transportation issues, bus tokens and passes, financial assistance, local resources, adaptive equipment, accessibility modifications, programs and services for people with disabilities.
Contact: Cora Jones – cjones@lilaoregon.org
Christine Riley – criley@lilaoregon.org
Cindy Overlandmiller – coverland@lilaoregon.org
LILA Accessible Mental Health Program (LAMHP)
Offers one-on-one counseling and classes, such as Eliminating Self-Defeating Behavior, Work Readiness & Disability Management, Assertiveness Training, Talking with Feelings, and a Dreams class.
Contact: Bjo Ashwill – bashwill@lilaoregon.org
Support Group - Free
Is every Wednesday at LILA from 1:00 – 2:30 pm in Suite 325.
Contact: Marsha Evans – mevans@lilaoregon.org
LILA Peer Support Club
Located at 990 Oak Street (corner of 10th & Oak). Provides mental health survivors with a safe place to gather for socialization, an opportunity for peer support, and various classes, groups and activities that lead to greater self-sufficiency, self-expression, and personal growth. Programs and classes which may be offered include:
- Money/budget management
- Basic computer class
- Music class
- Information on access to other needed mental health or community services
- Nutrition information
- Exercise class
- Art class
- Self-help and personal growth class
- Expand training for peer support and how to handle crisis situations
- Call-in helpline to be staffed by consumers
- Quiet room and library space
- Improv acting programs
- Job Readiness class
- Crocheting/knitting class
- Field trips
Download the brochure.
Contact: Marsha Evans – mevans@lilaoregon.org
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Living Well With MS Support Group
Held every second Tuesday of the month at 12:00 pm in the Sloat Room, Atrium Building, 99 W. 10th Avenue, Eugene.
Contact: Leanna Bennett – ljbennett@efn.org or 541-686-3575
OPAL Network
LILA is a co-sponsor of the Opal Network, a community based consumer-driven group created to encourage the empowerment of the voice of mental health consumer/survivors. Representatives of mental health providers and advocates as well as mental health consumer/survivors meet to work through the issues important to empowering the consumer voice. The Opal network events occur on every fifth Tuesday, which is approximately quarterly at the Eugene Library.
Contact: Bjo Ashwill – bashwill@lilaoregon.org
STEPS Program
Training and follow-up guide on the side for consumers to learn to supervise and work with personal care assistants. One-on-one trainings and workshops available.
Contact: Cora Jones – cjones@lilaoregon.org
Work Incentives Network (WIN)
Helps consumers with disabilities who are currently on Social Security understand what impact returning to work may have on their benefits. The first step is to contact the Work Incentive Coordinator at LILA – Emma Levert at 541- 607-7020.