Check Out- Arizona Bridge to Independent Living

[Guest guest]

I just found this news clipping and thought it might be a resource for

members who {badly} need to get to a warmer region

Hope this is helpful

====article below===

Assistant provides disabled man bridge to independent living

1 comment

<http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2008/12/25/20081225\

phx-caregiver1226.html#comments> by Kelsey Hazlewood - Dec. 25, 2008

01:09 PM

The Arizona Republic

was meant to be a caregiver. Following in the steps of

his mother and grandmother, he entered the industry straight out of high

school

<http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2008/12/25/20081225\

phx-caregiver1226.html#> . You can see his passion when he talks about

his work. And his client, Barnfield, says he sees it, too.

" Ron was created for this position, " Barnfield said. " He was born to do

this. "

As a personal assistant, helps 26-year-old Barnfield with the

day-to-day tasks that we often take for granted. Bathing, getting

dressed, cooking and cleaning are just a handful of activities that

Barnfield cannot do alone, because of his muscular dystrophy.

" He seeks out how to make life easier for me. He gives me independence, "

Barnfield said.

While working with Barnfield for the past two years, has become

much more than a caregiver. He moved next door to Barnfield, who is now

more like family. They can even finish one another's sentences.

" It's almost like being married to somebody, " said with a laugh.

is one of more than 1,500 personal assistants that work for

Arizona Bridge to Independent Living

<http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2008/12/25/20081225\

phx-caregiver1226.html#> , a non-profit organization that offers

programs to help people with disabilities live independent lives. In

addition to the care-giving services, ABIL also provides peer support,

home modifications and employment services.

" We serve probably around 2,000 people or more a year throughout

Maricopa County with the (personal assistants) program, " said Phil

Pangrazio, executive director

<http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2008/12/25/20081225\

phx-caregiver1226.html#> of ABIL. " It's hugely important, but all of

our programs are very complementary to each other. "

Earlier this summer, ABIL named " Personal Assistant Services

Employee of the Year, " a title that made him feel like his work had not

gone unnoticed.

ABIL recently moved into the new Disability Empowerment Center of

Arizona at 5025 E. Washington St. in Phoenix. The campus is expecting to

house seven other non-profit agencies that serve people with

disabilities

<http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2008/12/25/20081225\

phx-caregiver1226.html#> , including the Arizona Center for Disability

Law, Raising Special Kids, the Arizona Chapter of the National Multiple

Sclerosis Society, Joni and Friends, the Statewide Independent Living

Council, Arizona Autism United, the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury

Association and PRN Medical Services. The campus is meant to be a spot

for empowering people with disabilities, which is exactly what Barnfield

thinks is needed.

" Most people think, 'Oh they're disabled. They just want to stay at home

and not do anything,' " Barnfield said. " But people with disabilities

want to get out and be independent. We want our independence so much. "

works full time at the Arizona Department of Economic Security

between his morning and evening shifts with Barnfield, so his weekly

workload totals more than 60 hours. But he said he wouldn't have it any

other way.

" The happiness I get out of it, is making people happy, " said .

" I enjoy doing it, I really do. "

==found at===

http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2008/12/25/20081225p\

hx-caregiver1226.html

<http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2008/12/25/20081225\

phx-caregiver1226.html>