by Kelly April Tyrrell
As journalists, we know the stories we tell often make an impact in the community. Sometimes the stories we tell lead to new legislation. Sometimes a charitable organization germinates to tackle an issue brought to light. Sometimes policies are changed when the truth is revealed.
The University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies and the Department of Health and Social Services are hoping the stories they hear can lead to meaningful change as well.
This evening and tomorrow evening, the Center and DHSS will be listening to stories from people around the state living with disabilities in order to conduct an assessment of services provided and improve the health of adults and children with disabilities.
At these meetings, the groups are looking to hear about the positive and negative experiences Delawareans with disabilities, and their caretakers, have had in establishing relationships with doctors, in using facilities and equipment, in paying for care and in living a healthy lifestyle.
The assessment will be funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and those interested in sharing their stories are asked to contact Kara Magane at 302-831-0140 or kmagane@udel.edu to schedule a time during the public sessions.
A session already took place last week in Georgetown but there will be a session tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at Delaware Technical Community College in Dover, Corporate Training Center, Room 400B, 100 Campus Drive.
There is another session tomorrow, April 30, from 6 until 8 p.m. in Wilmington at Delaware Technical Community College, Conference Room A, 333 Shipley Street.
