LILA | handicapped person at computer

Our Programs


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.

ADA Info-Oregon

LILA, through our program ADA Info-Oregon, serves as the Oregon affiliate for the Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center Northwest. ADA Info-Oregon provides factual, confidential information to the general public regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act and its provisions. Information is provided in three ways:

  1. answering telephone inquiries (1-866-790-8686) about the ADA and sending printed information upon request;
  2. offering trainings to businesses and consumers on the ADA and its provisions; an
  3. providing access surveys to businesses, non-profits and government agencies to determine compliance with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines upon request.

ADA Info-Oregon can be reached by telephone at the LILA general number (541-607-7020) or toll-free at 1-866-790-8686.

Contact: Eugene Organ – eorgan@lilaoregon.org

Blue Path

News & Events
LILA's Annual Membership Meeting:
Saturday Feb. 11, 2012
11:30 am to 2:00 pm
at the LILA Peer Support Club, 990 Oak St.
Click here for more details.

LILA, through its ADA-Info 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 NW 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 1st 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:

  1. Assist consumers to use the resources at The Workforce Network.
  2. Provide information and referral to programs, services, and resources.
  3. Help consumers understand Social Security and other benefits, and the effect of employment on benefits.
Consumers can call The Workforce Network at 686-7503 to schedule an individual appointment with a Disability Navigator.

People who experience multiple barriers to employment can benefit from the Career and Resource Mapping Class (CRM). The CRM class is offered on the first Monday of every month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 2510 Oakmont, Eugene, OR 97401 and every third Monday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at L.C.C. Main Campus, Bldg. 19, 4000 E. 30th, Eugene, OR. Space is limited to 14 participants; call the Disability Navigator Line, 686-7503, to register for the class.

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

Eugene Sounds

An internet radio service for print-disabled people. The programming is on air 24/7, and is available through Omnimedia.org. The program is staffed by volunteers.

Contact: Mari Dole – erundil@clearwire.net

Independent Living Skills Training – Free

All You Need to Know About Applying for SSI/SSDI Benefits – Third Thursday of each month from 2:30 – 3:30 pm in Suite 325 of the Atrium Building

Housing 101 – How to Find a Place to Live – Second Monday of each month from 2:30 – 3:30 pm in Suite 325 of the Atrium Building

Contact: Cora Jones – cjones@lilaoregon.org
Christine Riley – criley@lilaoregon.org

Practical Money Skills Class – Ever wish you could manage your money better, make a budget for yourself and stick to it, and even put aside some money for a rainy day? Would you like to learn about bank accounts, ATMs, loans & credit cards? If so, these FREE classes may offer some useful tips to help you make good decisions!
– 1st & 3rd Tuesday of Each Month, 1:00–2:00 pm for 10 weeks. First class is June 21. In Suite 325 of the Atrium Building.
You may attend one or all classes. Target Audience: Anyone with a disability who needs to improve their Money Management Skills.

Instructor: Roxie Mayfield, MS
Info: 541-607-7020 or email: rdmayfield@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

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: Kathleen Davis – kdavis@lilaoregon.org
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: Sandra Dela Rosa – sdelarosa@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.

Contact: Jon West – jwest@lilaoregon.org