A core service of the Dayle McIntosh Center is information and referral (I&R). The purpose of DMC’s information and referral is to ensure access to the information which will support people with disabilities and older adults have equal opportunities to lead their lives as they choose.
Anyone can ask us for help with information and referrals. Some people who ask for this kind of help don’t end up completing an intake for our services, but it’s still an important part of what we offer to most of our consumers. We support the general public with requests for information and referrals.
Many callers contact the center as the result of doing an internet search regarding topics for people with disabilities and older adults. Others learn about DMC as a reference service through friends, family members, neighbors, classmates, and service providers.
DMC’s database of disability-related information and resources has been gathered by our team of staff and is preserved in electronic format. We also have access to reference systems developed by other entities such as the Orange County Aging and Disability Resource Center.
Referrals are provided by phone, by email, or through the regular post and cover a variety of areas:
- Accessible/affordable housing
- Transportation
- Aid with utility payments
- Locations of food pantries
- Providers of medical supplies
- Information about various provisions under laws relating to disability, accessibility requirements, recreation opportunities, and disability programming.
ADDITIONAL HELPFUL DMC PROGRAM SERVICE FLYERS AND RESOURCE LINKS
- Advocacy
- AT Fee-for-Service
- Blind/Low-Vision
- Community Transitions Flyer
- Deaf Services
- Deaf Services – Deaf Event
- Disability Chat in English
- Disability Chat in Spanish
- Disability Friendly Community Initiative
- DMC Circle of Support (Subscription Sponsorship)
- Donor Flyer
- General FFS
- General Services
- Housing (General)
- Housing Resources
- 2026 Housing Workshops English
- 2026 Housing Workshops Spanish
- In Class Workshop Flyer
- Independent Living Skills Resources
- Let’s Talk Disability Flyer
- Mobility Management Professionals Program Flyer in English
- Mobility Management Professionals Program Flyer in Spanish
- Personal Assistant Services Resources
- Personal Assistant Caregiver Recruitment Flyer in English
- Personal Assistant Caregiver Recruitment Flyer in Spanish
- Personal Assistant Caregiver Recruitment Flyer Vietnamese
- PAS Resources
- Pre-ETS flyer
- Queer, Disabled and Proud (QD&P) in English
- Queer, Disabled and Proud (QD&P) in Spanish
- Transportation
- Veterans Independence Program Flyer in English and Spanish
- Volunteer
- Youth Transitions – DMC Youth Connect (English)
- Youth Transitions – DMC Youth Connect (Spanish)
- Youth Sexual Self-Advocacy (English)
- Youth Sexual South Advocacy (Spanish)
I&R assistance continues until the desired information has been provided or no additional resources can be identified. Random follow-up is made with I&R contacts to ask if they received the information they needed and if the resources provided had an impact on their independence or quality of life.
Program Success Story
DMC was contacted by a Deaf woman, who had recently had a baby. She was concerned, because she could not hear her baby when he cried. The I&R Coordinator told the new mother about a device that is placed under the crib mattress and, when the infant cries, sends a signal to a lamp on the mother’s bedside table, which would blink to alert her to her infant’s distress. The Deaf mom purchased the device and was able to sleep peacefully knowing that she would be aware when her baby needed her.
In another instance, a caller requested assistance to locate a resource for aquatic therapy for the purposes of exercise and relaxation. Two resources were provided and the contact was able to obtain a membership in one of the programs.
- Consumer Question: Does the Dayle McIntosh Center help with things like rides, financial assistance or legal assistance?
DMC Program Answer: The Dayle McIntosh Center does not provide direct services with requests such as rides, financial assistance, and legal assistance. We can provide information, resources, and connect you to community-based organizations.
- Consumer Question: Are there any fees for your services?
DMC Program Answer: All our services are provided free of charge to consumers (the individual receiving the support). These include things like advocacy, information and referral, peer support, independent living skills, assistive technology info, and more. Some services, such as specialized training, are offered on a fee-for-service basis. These services are paid for by partner agencies and still provided at no cost to the individual.
- Consumer Question: I recently acquired a disability and need help navigating through this new phase. Can you help me?
DMC Program Answer: We understand that adjusting to life with a new acquired disability can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help make that transition easier by supporting you in understanding your options and connecting you with DMC services and in the community. Whether you need practical support or simply want to talk with someone who has been through a similar experience, we can help connect you with the right person.
- Consumer Question: Do you help with filling out paperwork for federal or state benefits?
DMC Program Answer: While we do not fill out forms for federal or state benefits on your behalf, we can connect you with appropriate resources that offers one-on-one support.
- Consumer Question: The information that was provided to me doesn’t appear to be the right fit. What would be the next steps?
DMC Program Answer: If the resources provided are not a good fit, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We can talk through your situation, answer your questions and look at other possible options. While some community resources, such as financial assistance, can be limited, we will do our best to support and guide you through next steps.
