DMC News & Updates July 2020
Announcing the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) 
DMC is excited to share that we are expanding and enhancing the services we offer to Orange County through a partnership with the Office on Aging and California Department on Aging known as the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC). So many of the individuals we serve come to the organization with the same challenges: “I don’t know how to get benefits.” “I can’t find in-home care, housing, food, transportation, home modifications, and other things I need to live.” “I know there are resources out there, but I don’t know where to start, what I’m eligible for, or how to apply. And I can’t find anyone to help me.”
What consumers are looking for, we call Long-Term Services and Supports. These are all of the programs, benefits, and resources that enable those of us who are aging or have disabilities to live independently in the community. And we know how hard it can be to find and access the services you need.
At the ADRC, our job is to help you navigate this complex network of Long-Term Services and Supports. We are a growing collaboration of agencies in Orange County that serve seniors and people with disabilities – from DMC and Office on Aging to Social Services, 211, CalOptima, the Veterans Service Office, and more – who work together to ensure Orange County residents have the supports they need to lead safe, independent lives in the community. Together, we provide information and assistance, person-centered planning, and access and advocacy support for individuals exploring their independent living options.
If you are in need of immediate assistance, the ADRC Information and Assistance Call Center (714-480-6450) is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM, to answer questions about available resources and supports. You can also visit our website and resource database at www.adrcoc.org.
DMC Celebrates the Life of Gregory Winterbottom 
Gregory Winterbottom, one of the founders of the Dayle McIntosh Center and our first Board Chair, passed away at his home in Villa Park at the age of 73 on Friday, June 26.
Winterbottom was a fierce advocate who worked for equal access in the area of public transportation for people with disabilities. A wheelchair user for more than 50 years, Winterbottom provided a valuable perspective and important viewpoint to issues regarding people with disabilities. Long before the Americans with Disabilities Act became law, he was a champion for projects and programs designed to ensure everyone had equal access to both transportation and public spaces. He pioneered programs that paved the way for ACCESS paratransit service as we know it today. DMC recognizes and celebrates his life, accomplishments, and his contributions to our history and to the broader community.
UC Irvine Seeking Participants with Disabilities
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine are seeking participants for two studies about how technology designers can better serve the needs of members of the DMC community. Participants will be compensated at a rate of $20/hour. For more details, eligibility criteria, and contact info, check out the linked flyers for Study 1 and Study 2, and fill out the Interest Survey!
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Join us in Celebrating the ADA July 26, 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA). The Dayle McIntosh Center (DMC) is proud to reaffirm our mission of “access and independence by, and for, people with disabilities.” The 30th anniversary of the ADA is a time to remember how far we have come and why it is still important to raise awareness and to support efforts to fully implement the ADA. Throughout July, DMC will be sharing information about the ADA to raise awareness and to celebrate 30 years! We Want to Include You in Celebrating this anniversary. While DMC is not able to host an in-person event, it is important to celebrate this occasion. With that in mind, you are invited to participate in our celebration by submitting a paragraph or two in response to the following questions: 1. How has the ADA impacted or changed your life? 2. What does the ADA mean to you? If you choose to participate, and we hope you will, your response may be used in DMC social media, on our website, or in an email promoting the anniversary of the ADA later in July. If you would prefer to share something but want it to be anonymous, please make sure to note this when you send your response. If you have questions or need any inspiration to help you with your paragraph, please feel free to reach out to us. Send your answers to the questions with ADA 30 in the subject line to Lani Daly. Thanks for participating and celebrating with us. |
DMC Delivers Success
DMC continues to provide services and support. While the past few months have been incredibly difficult for so many, DMC staff are making a difference in the community.
DMC launched a food delivery program in late April in partnership with Share Our Selves, a food pantry in Costa Mesa. So far, the program has provided weekly deliveries of food, personal items, and PPE, (masks, gloves and hand sanitizer), to over 65 individuals and families in Orange County. The program is designed to support our neighbors who are unable to access grocery stores and other services due to the Corona Virus and health concerns.
We continue to receive an increasing number of calls requesting assistance in a variety of areas. Below are some successes DMC staff have been able to support recently:
“The food delivery program has helped me tremendously. I don’t have to worry about going to the store. As a blind person, I struggle not only with taking public transportation but also needing help selecting my grocery items at the grocery store. I put myself at risk every time I go out. I am very grateful for the food program and all the blessings I have received through it.” Marta L.
“Dayle McIntosh has been a great help. From the food program I have received a variety of nutritional foods. It has helped me save money on food and gas. Every week I look forward to my delivery. It gives me a lot of hope that there is help out there during this hard time.” Maria B.
Late in 2019 DMC began assisting a married couple with housing services. The couple was experiencing homelessness and had been living in their car. Following a lengthy search for housing options, the family located a vacant mobile home as a possible housing solution. However, they became hopeless once they learned that they could not get income verification from the Social Security Administration as all offices were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. DMC staff stepped in to advocate for the couple, making several calls to SSA and attempting to secure the required documentation online While continuing to provide support to the couple. The process was difficult and frustrating for everyone, especially because of the spread of COVID-19 and ongoing health concerns. Eventually, everything came together and the couple received the keys to their new home. However, the process of signing the lease and moving in proved to be challenging due to communication issues as the couple is deaf. DMC staff provided support during the entire process. This support was invaluable and helped this family to secure a place to live after eight years of being homeless.
Staffing Updates
DMC is pleased to announce that Megan Granata has been promoted to the position of Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) Program Manager. You may recognize Megan as she has served as an Independent Living Skills Instructor with DMC since early 2018. She is currently a master’s candidate in Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of North Texas and has previously served the disability community as an independent living skills instructor, systems change advocate, and volunteer peer mentor at two Independent Living Centers. She is deeply passionate about Independent Living, disability history, culture, and justice.
Ms. Granata oversees the development of the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Orange County, an emerging collaborative of senior and disability service organizations led by the Dayle McIntosh Center and the Office on Aging. The goal of the ADRC is to streamline access to long-term services and supports, provide person-centered information and counseling services, and enable community-based living for Orange County seniors and residents with disabilities.
Bhumit Shah was recently selected as DMC’s new Systems Change Advocate. He previously worked as the Personal Assistant Services Coordinator, advocating for consumers to receive long-term care services and remain in community-based settings. In this role, and in his personal life as an individual with a disability, Bhumit has developed and strengthened his advocacy skills. Bhumit has a passion for bringing people together to come up with common-sense solutions that can benefit stakeholders. DMC is excited to have Bhumit in his new role as the Systems Change Advocate and believes in his ability to create change within the community and to provide people with the tools, they need to advocate for themselves.
Social Distancing Does Not Mean Social Isolation!
DMC continues to increase the number of Virtual Peer Support Groups we are offering. Upcoming groups in July include:
- Low Vision: Peer support and chat groups in both English and Spanish for people in Orange and Los Angeles Counties; and Orientation & Mobility
- Independent Living Skills: Deaf Peer Support; Disability Chats; and Essential Skills for Independence
- Assistive Technology: All Things Low Vision & Tech Talk Group; and other Assistive Technology Workshops.
- DMC Youth Program: Now enrolling for Youth Summary Academy 2020!
For more information and to view all groups and events please visit
DMC Virtual Peer Support Groups & Meeting Calendar
If you are in need of help with accessing transportation, food, medicine, applying for public benefits, or have other needs, please reach out to DMC for support and information. We continue to identify resources that may provide the help you need. You can reach our office by calling 714-621-3300.
Please follow DMC on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest information, updates, and announcements.
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