League Services

• Increasing Your Independence
• Advocating for Your Rights
  
• Removing Barriers
• Funding Assistance

The League of Human Dignity believes that all of us have the right to decide where we live, work, and play. At some point in our lives most of us will experience limitations that affect our personal independence. Whether these disabilities are temporary, progressive, or permanent, they should not prevent us from living the lives we choose.

In addition to physical, mental, or emotional disabilities, we may also be faced with external barriers. These obstacles to independence may be architectural, social, or attitudinal. They could be personal, work-related, or community-wide barriers.

We can help you overcome the barriers in your personal life and in your community that may be interfering with your independence. When seeking a more independent lifestyle, most people find that the appropriate services or technology can make all the difference.

The League staff will help you examine your personal situation. We'll work with you to utilize agency services, obtain funding, arrange for personal assistance with daily activities, or find the specialized equipment you need to enjoy a more independent lifestyle.

To help you reach your goals the League offers the following services:

• Information and Referral
• Systems Advocacy
• Individual Advocacy
• Peer Support
• Independent Living Skills Training
• Assistance in Finding and Paying for Accessible Housing
• Financial Benefits Counseling
• Equipment Sales, Repair, Loan, and Rental
• Assistance in Hiring Personal Assistants and/or Chore Providers
• Grants (Available in Some Communities) to Make Homes Wheelchair Accessible
• Services Coordination for Nebraska's Medicaid Waiver Program

Other services available at various League locations: Model Homes, Vehicle and Equipment Sales, and Service through Mobility Options—a Subsidiary of the League of Human Dignity.

Throughout our history, members of the League of Human Dignity have influenced state legislation and city policy on accessibility and disability rights issues. We are also prepared to advocate with you on a personal level and to help you advocate for yourself. We want to be sure you receive the services, accommodation—and respect—you deserve.

When the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 it guaranteed equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state, and local government services and telecommunications.

We are protected by several other laws, including the Fair Housing Act, Air Carrier Access Act, Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Rehabilitation Act, and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).

If you feel you are being discriminated against because you experience a disability, contact the League of Human Dignity.

Your Community

Public facilities should be accessible to everyone. Do you have difficulty getting in and out of certain buildings or finding adequate parking? Is it difficult to receive service once you are inside? The League can help you contact the right persons to get some changes made.

Your Home

Check out your own house or apartment. Is it difficult for you to get around? Or to get things done? Home modification may be the solution. A ramp, porch lift, stair lift, grab bars, hand rails, wider doorways, accessible tubs and showers, or lowered sinks and counters could allow you to live independently while remaining in your own home.

Did you know you have the right to make reasonable requests of your landlord to make a rental house or apartment more accessible and safer for you? The landlord is not expected to pay for the modifications, but must make the accommodation possible.

If you live in Lincoln/Lancaster County, Omaha, or Council Bluffs, a Barrier Removal Grant may help you pay for eligible improvements. Contact the League's Barrier Removal Information Centers (BRIC) in Lincoln, Omaha, and Council Bluffs for further information.

Model Homes

A variety of accessibility design features and adaptive aids are displayed in the Model Homes at the League locations in Lincoln and Norfolk.

You are welcome to check out the possibilities for your home or office—including adjustable sinks with removable base cabinets, lever-type hardware, adjustable-height cooktops, portable storage units, grab bars, roll-in shower stalls, and front-loading washers and dryers with easy-to-reach control panels.

Getting Around

Getting around is vital to your independence. Curb cuts and accessible buses were among the major issues facing the newly founded League in 1971. Though much has improved over the years, transportation will always be a key issue in the disability community.

Public Transportation

The League can help you take advantage of the public transportation available in your community—including buses equipped with wheelchair lifts. If you live in Lincoln you can stop in the office to get your photo ID card for Handi-Van, Go-For-Less, and Senior Saver programs.

Personal Transportation

You may need to consider an accessible vehicle or a modification on your own car or van to allow you to enjoy the freedom of transportation. Mobility Options can help you access and acquire what you need.

Personal Mobility Devices

A scooter or power wheelchair may be just what you need to get around town or around your own home. Mobility Options carries a full line and can offer comprehensive needs assessment and consultation.

Specialized Equipment

Technology can make a big difference in your home or office as well. Wheelchair ramps, porch lifts, automatic door-openers, and other specialized equipment make it possible for homeowners or renters to come and go as they please.

Standing tables, stair lifts, elevators, hospital-style beds, lift chairs, roll-in showers, lowered countertops and sinks, and other modifications offer freedom of movement around the home.

Vehicle and Home Modifications

Mobility Options carries the latest in new and used vans or new scooters and power wheelchairs. Need a scooter lift on your pickup truck? Or the floor lowered in your van? Or hand controls on your sports car?

How about a vertical lift or a stair lift for your home? Or an elevator in your office building, church, or community center?

We do it all at Mobility Options. We can be found on the web at www.mobility-options.com.

The League staff can help you find out if you may receive funding assistance for vehicle modifications, or a scooter or wheelchair. Some devices might be approved through third-party funding sources.