Disability Service Center opens in downtown Columbus

Sept. 16--Jay O'Neal says there are a lot of resources for the disabled in Columbus, but a lot of people do not know how to find them.

That is where the Disability Service Center can be a huge help.

"We are a one-stop shop," said O'Neal, who's the executive director.

The private, nonprofit organization provides services of its own as well as useful information about other agencies.

About six weeks ago, the center moved into Building D at 216 10th Street downtown. A grand opening ceremony was held Saturday.

"It is a great location because it is very accessible, We are near three bus stops and a lot of our clients rely on Metra," O'Neal said.

Also, the center, which serves around 200 clients per week, had outgrown a prior location.

"Our mission is to help create and foster a holistic independent community for people with disabilities," O'Neal said.

It is a resource center for all forms of disability, physical and cognitive. Services range from continuing treatment to continuing education, home modifications, car modifications and assisting technology.

While offering workshops and seminars to assist in community re-entry and job placement, the center also aids other nonprofit agencies dealing with disabilities by offering office space and a place to facilitate meetings and events.

For example, the Fountain City Chapter of the National Federation for the Blind is in the same location and makes good use of a computer room.

Lessons in braille and sign language are provided there.

According to the center's literature, some other center partners are Autism Hope Center, ARC of Greater Columbus, National Alliance On Mental Illness, CONTACT USA and Autism Adventure travel.

"People should not be spending a lot of time running around trying to find resources," O'Neal said.

Whether it is a cane, a wheelchair, a computer, counseling or training, the center works to provide what a person needs.

"Some people with a disability become a recluse. We want those people to know they still have a purpose. We want have them active in the community, working or in school," O'Neal said.

Workers at the center are volunteers.

O'Neal remarked that board members have disabilities so they have a special empathy for those who come to the center for help.

"This work is a passion for us," O'Neal said.

O'Neal knows about having to find resources.

In 2006, he was with a church group at Flat Rock Park when he was struck by a car.

He suffered numerous injuries including a broken pelvis, broken hips, a fractured ankle and fractured ribs.

Most seriously, he suffered severe brain trauma. At one point in his treatment, doctors told his parents the chances of him coming out of a coma were slim, but he woke up after six days.

Work was needed for him to regain reading and writing skills. He still has memory problems.

Much of his rehabilitation was conducted at the Shepherd Center, which is a catastrophic care hospital in Atlanta.

"When I returned here I thought disability services would be as easy to find as they were in Atlanta, but they weren't," he said.

He often tells his story to encourage those who are giving up hope for a productive life.

The center works with local businesses to make them what he calls "disability friendly."

"We want businesses to do more than the bare minimum, more than just what the law requires," he said.

O'Neal said the center is funded by donations. Many items such as used wheelchairs and walkers are given to the center by those who no longer need them.

The center runs a reassurance program that provides daily calls to individuals that live alone. Home visits also are made.

For those who need nursing home care, help is available to find the place best suited for the client.

The center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but is closed on the weekend. For information, call 706-322-2202.

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