Welcome – Theotis Braddy

Hello, my name is Theotis W. Braddy, executive director of the Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP) and I really am living well with a disability.

I am very excited to be able to introduce to you this new extraordinary initiative called Living Well With A Disability! However, before I tell you more about this new program, let me share with you some personal background information that demonstrates why such a program is needed.

My story began at age 15 playing the game I loved…high school football. What was a happy moment turned into a crisis that changed the course of my life – I broke my neck leaving me paralyzed from the neck down.

At that moment, I began a new life which started in a maze of confusion. My mother didn’t know what steps to take, nor did anyone else in my immediate family. She was faced with a child with a disability who just wanted to play football again; a child who just wanted to live life like everyone else. Many are facing similar problems today.

This maze of confusion has taken me through many different paths, and I have learned many positive things that have shaped my life. This is why my entire adult life has been devoted to assisting others with disabilities in navigating the complexities and confusion when confronted with the life-changing encounter of becoming a person with a disability.

Life can go on and you can live well with a disability. Since age 15, when I thought my life was over, I went on to graduate with a master’s degree from Temple University. I have been the Executive Director of the CILCP since 1989 and assisted thousands of people with disabilities and their families. I serve my community by participating on many boards and committees and being an active leader in my church. In addition, I’m married to a wonderful wife with a terrific daughter and son.

This is why the Living Well With A Disability program is so important. Just because you have a disability or some type of limitation, does not mean you cannot live well.

The Living Well With A Disability program will link individuals with numerous resources compiled from my 31 years of personal and professional struggles and successes, as well as the personal experiences of CILCP’s dedicated staff.

Living Well with a Disability is one call, countless resources, endless opportunities.

Thank you,

Theotis W. Braddy, MSW
Executive Director

Are you living well in your home?

I was once asked, “If you were to become disabled tomorrow, would you be able to get through your doorway in a wheelchair? Would you be able to reach your stove? Would you know your way around your apartment without being able to see where you’re going?”

My answers…No.

Now, it’s my turn to ask you. If you have a disability, are you living well in your home? Are there items that you need put in, such as a ramp, or need the sink to be lowered so you can wash your dishes? Do you having an adaptive device that indicates someone is at the door?

Perhaps you need something else. Or perhaps you don’t know what you need. Regardless, if you’re living in Cumberland, Dauphin, Mifflin, Perry and Juniata counties, the Living Well With A Disability program can be of assistance.

The Living Well With A Disability program provides consumers with any type of disability with options for home modifications. A housing specialist will visit your home to discuss what you feel you need, make suggestions on what should be changed, provide recommendations on how changes can be made, prioritize what needs to be completed, and discuss your budget and payment options. The program looks at all levels, from the obvious to the discrete.

What does a home visit entail?

First, the housing specialist will come to your house to do an overall assessment. During the assessment, the payment options for making modifications will be discussed. If you cannot afford the modifications, the specialist will send the estimate to the appropriate funding provider. If the estimate is approved by the funding provider, or you agree to pay the contractor yourself, the specialist will ask the contractor to come out to the home to discuss the modifications. The contractor will then work directly with you to determine a timeline for completing the project.

Once the project is complete, the housing specialist revisits your home, making sure the project has been properly finished. The specialist will also get your opinion on the contractor and the entire process. A one year guarantee is provided by all the contractors who work through the Living Well With A Disability program. The program can provide a list of contractors that have experience working with ADA guidelines.

What are my payment options?

The housing specialist will determine possible solutions and provide you with recommendations on how to live well in your home. If funding for a project is a concern, the specialist will provide possible payment options depending on the county you reside in, income level, and the cost of the project(s) you need completed. Based on these items, the specialist will refer you to possible providers, such as the Cumberland Housing Authority, PA Assistive Technology Fund or The Self-Determination Housing Project of Pennsylvania (SDHP). The providers listed are examples of some of the resources available. Depending on your county, additional providers may be available. Many of the providers do have a waiting list to receive funding.

The program provides assessments and recommendations to area businesses as well.

To learn more about our home modification services, please call the hotline 1-877-TO-LIV-WELL, and receive additional insight on how to live well in all aspects of life!

Want to try something new and fun?

Hello, my name is Sharon Frech, Owner/Manager of the Milton Rock Gym, Inc. (MRG). The MRG is an indoor rock climbing gym that offers participants a vertical challenge. The gym walls consist of empty plywood and route setters, which add rock holds to create a pattern of moves that challenge the climber’s ability to make it to the top anchor, also known as a "problem" in climbing terms.

When we constructed the walls, we included many different angles and heights to make it seem as if the climber is climbing outside at the crags. Anyone, including people with disabilities, can start on our training wall, which will allow the individual to get the feel of the holds on a short 12’ wall while being belayed on a rope. The training wall will allow the person to experience the feel of the harness and being lowered to the floor. Then as confidence builds, a slab wall standing at 28’ high is available. It leans inward so as the climber ascends, gravity is on the climber’s side - allowing for foot work and technique training. The next wall is 35’ high and more difficult - not only in height, but the rock holds, pinchers and edges are mixed in the wall to build strength and endurance.

Climbing is rewarding in so many different ways. It builds an inner confidence, allowing the climber to trust him or herself to get to the next rock hold. The staff at MRG will provide a secure foundation, working the ropes and providing pointers, better known as beta. People with and without disabilities enjoy the sweet success that is taken away, knowing their goal has been achieved.

We suggest bringing a bottle of water, and wearing cotton or loose fitting clothing, and a sneaker type shoe. The MRG will provide belayer assistance if requested in advance for those who do not have a climbing partner. We can arrange parties with an advanced notice of 2 weeks, and offer a party room equipped with a refrigerator, free of charge. If you’re a bit shy we can also arrange a private party during the hours the gym is closed.

Our motto is building stronger minds, body and community, and together we believe anything is possible. For more information on MRG, please visit our web site at www.miltonrockgym.com or come try us out at Milton Rock Gym, Inc.

We have a wheelchair accessible entrance on Front Street, and an accessible water closet available. We look forward to seeing your smile as you take the challenge!

Located at 45 South Front Street - Milton, PA 17847. I can also be reached by calling Sharon Frech at 570.742.8290.