Our Mission Statement:
The Society for Equal Access Independent Living Center Assist Individuals to Become More Independent within Our Community.
About Us
Society for Equal Access, Independent Living Center, Inc. has been in operation since April, 1990. S.E.A. is a consumer-controlled, cross-disability, private, non-profit organization operated by and for individuals with disabilities. S.E.A. currently serves residents of the East Central Ohio counties of: Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, and Tuscarawas.
We strive to accomplish our purpose by:
As an independent living center, it is required that at least 50% of our Board of Directors, Leadership Team, and Employees are diagnosed or self-diagnosed as individuals with one or multiple disabilities. By seeing, experiencing, and living the same lives as those we serve, we are suited to help our consumers in the most impactful ways.
Our five core services of: Information & Referral, Peer Support, Advocacy, Independent Living Services, and Transition Services are provided to our consumers and our communities free of charge.
As a licensed Independent Living Center, Society for Equal Access/Independent Living Center receives funding from multiple sources. The main source of funding is through both Federal and State programs. S.E.A. has worked and partnered with many organizations which have graciously made donations to help in the support of our efforts and the enrichment of our community.
We understand that every situation is different and that no two consumers face the same challenges or require the same resources. That is why we provide a consumer-first approach to all of our services. Give one of our Independent Living Specialist a call or stop by our office during office hours and let one of our Specialist assist.
Providing services in Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, and Tuscarawas counties, our Independent Living Center offers the five core services of: Information and Referral Services, Peer Support, Advocacy, Independent Living Skills, and Transportation.
S.E.A. provides these services to any individual with Physical, Cognitive, Emotional, Developmental, or Multiple Disabilities.
Independent Living Services
Current information on housing, transportation, assistive technology, and community services is provided to consumers as well as the community at large.
Independent Living Skills Training provides consumers with the basic skills to support their independent living goals. Training is provided in the following areas: Personal Care, Decision Making, Goal Setting, Budgeting/Money Management, Self-Advocacy, Employment, General Socialization, and Rights and Responsibilities.
Peer Support is a service through which consumers are able to connect and share experiences, knowledge, and coping skills with other individuals in a comfortable and relaxed group environment.
S.E.A. provides speakers to civic groups, schools, churches, and public or private organizations interested in learning more about disability-related issues and awareness. Topics include, but are not limited to: Accessibility, Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] Compliance, Disability Rights, and Disability Sensitivity.
Youth-In-Transition Classes are a service that is offered to students and schools within our eight county service area. These classes provide students that are about to transition to independent living with the skills needed for this transition. Job Readiness/Resume Building/Interview Skills, Communication/Social Interactions, Budgeting/Money Management, and Rights & Responsibilities are all skills that are covered in this class.
Adult Daily Living Classes are designed to help adults aquire the daily living skills that keep them living safely and independently in their homes. Skills include: Social Skills, Job Readiness, Cooking, Hygiene, Budgeting, and more.
These classes are open to any individual 18 or older and can be scheduled as needed.
For residents residing in a Nursing or Rehabilitation Center, a Long Term Care Facility, Local Hospitals, or Assisted Living Facilities who wish to safely and independently return to a home of their choice, Society for Equal Access can help you in planning and coordinating a return to community living.
Society for Equal Access is proud to offer RED CROSS Adult & Pediatric First Aid, CPR, & AED Training and Certification. These classes and certifications are open to all members of our communities and are held the first Friday of every month at 10:00am. The cost for this class and RED CROSS Certification is $125.00 per individual. For more information, or to schedule larger or on-site classes, please contact Mike West at: (330) 343-3668 -Ext. 114.
Society for Equal Access partners with United Way of Tuscarawas County to provide clients with ramps
to access their homes. United Way funds the project while S.E.A works with local volunteers such as NewPointe Community Church and the New Philadelphia Nazarene Church to build the ramps.
To qualify for the ramp program you just have to live in Tuscarawas County. Call Society for Equal Access at 330-343-9292 for more information.
If you are a church or other organization and you would like to volunteer to help in ramp construction, please call 330-343-9292, ext 111, -Kevin Hannahs, and ask for details. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
"The Kids on the Block" presentations teaches Disability Sensitivity and Anti-Bullying Skills to students. All too often, children with disabilities have difficulty socially connecting with their peers. Kids on the Block performances highlighting Disability Awareness help to breakdown peers sense of confusion, misunderstanding, and stereotypes that may place a barrier between social acceptance and friendship. The KOB program is for students grades preschool thru 5th grade.
Our 'Kids' explain to children that everyone has differences, but those differences make us each unique. Call Society for Equal Access at 330-343-9292 to set up your Kids on the Block Puppet Performance. All presentations and performances are free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Society for Equal Access serves the residents of Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, and Tuscarawas Counties.
Society for Equal Access provides services to both individuals that have a medical diagnosis, as well as those that are self-diagnosed.
Each consumer is unique and so are their stories, their challenges, and their needs.
Society for Equal Access works with consumers based on their needs and their situation, not on the label of the disability. If you have been diagnosed with, or have self-diagnosed as having a mental, physical, or emotional disability, we ask you to call our specialists to learn more.
Our Independent Living Specialist provide in-home services and can set up an appointment to visit you in your home or residence.
Society for Equal Access is dedicated to providing the needed services to all individuals within our communities.
While some programs do have specific age and program restrictions, we encourage you to call and speak with one of our Independent Living Specialist to learn of the most current and up to date programs.
We can be reached by telephone at: (330) 343-9292
Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm
Or you can stop into our offices located at:
22 Bank Lane Dover, Oh 44663
during normal business hours.
Using both passenger and wheelchair accessable vans, Society for Equal Access provides transportation services to individuals with disabilities who live within Tuscarawas County and need transported to medical appointments.
Transportation Services
Society for Equal Access has been supplying excellent transportation services for the past 32 years. We have well-trained, polite, and courteous drivers that are certified in CPR, First Aid, Blood Borne Pathogens, Defensive Driving, and state required "DRIVE" training. All drivers must go through a physical, pass a BMV Check, a BCI check, 7 additional database checks, as well as continued drug and alcohol screenings.
Society for Equal Access has partnered with the Tuscarawas County Department of Job and Family Services for the past 19 years and provides approximately 1200 - 1500 rides per month.
Society of Equal Access owns and opperates a fleet of both passenger and wheelchair accessible minivans, as well as full sized passenger and wheelchair accessible vans.
Meet our Leadership Team
Contact Us
22 Bank Lane
Dover, Ohio 44622
*located behind Pizza Hut on S. Wooster Ave.*
Independent Living:
(330) 343-9292
Transportation:
(330) 343-3668
TITLE VI-NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 200d), related statutes and regulations provide that no person shall on the ground of race, color, national origin, sex, or disabilities be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal funds.
Society for Equal Access/lLC does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry) disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
To file a complaint, you may call the Executive Director at (330) 343-9292, Ext. 111, email: khannahs@seailc.org or visit our administrative office at 22 Bank Lane, Dover, Ohio 44622
Complaints may be filed directly with the FTA with the Office of Civil Rights, Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator, East Building, 5th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC, 20590
