EasterSealsNWAL

My name is Crystal DiBenedetto, I am a Vocational Adjustment Counselor at Easterseals Northwest Alabama. I work within the school system, as well as working with adults in our center. I conduct Vocational Evaluations, Smart Work Ethics classes, which is a workforce employability skills class. I also teach Financial Literacy, and Driver Permit Classes. Each of our programs are designed to help remove barriers for our consumers as they move forward with either their education or heading into the workforce. If you are interested in more information about any of our programs, please contact me at cdibenedetto@eastersealsnwal.org or at 256-314-5114.

My name is Crystal DiBenedetto, I am a Vocational Adjustment Counselor at Easterseals Northwest Alabama. I work within the school system, as well as working with adults in our center. I conduct Vocational Evaluations, Smart Work Ethics classes, which is a workforce employability skills class. I also teach Financial Literacy, and Driver Permit Classes. Each of our programs are designed to help remove barriers for our consumers as they move forward with either their education or heading into the workforce. If you are interested in more information about any of our programs, please contact me at cdibenedetto@eastersealsnwal.org or at 256-314-5114.

My name is Kanesha Bates, I’m an Employment Specialist in the Vocational Department at Easterseals Northwest Alabama. I’m also the Lead Skills Trainer of the Employment Development Program hosted by the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa. It is a 6-week job training program that provides young adults with real-life work experience and employability skills.

Easterseals Northwest Alabama's Speech Therapy provides life-changing treatment, support and care for children and adults who have difficulties with communication. Easterseals Northwest Alabama employs a professional licensed Speech Therapist that works closely with parents, teachers, physicians, hearing specialist, occupational therapist and physical therapist to ensure the best possible outcomes. Speech and Language disorders affect the way children talk, understand, analyze or process information. Communication difficulties put children at greater risk of poor literacy, learning disabilities and poorer employment outcomes in adulthood. Speech and Language therapy is a vital service that improves children's language and communication skills and aids in their personal development. For further information contact the Easterseals Northwest Alabama Speech Therapy Department at 256-381-1110.

Our Workshop is a full-service industrial Workshop. We do wood cutting projects, assembly projects, packaging and sorting projects and even metal and welding projects. We have built "Side-Racks" for the US Department of Defense that fit Army and Marine vehicles. Most of our work is sub-contract work for local industries. The only difference in our workshop and any other local industrial shop, is that we employ individuals with disabilities. Each of our current employees has a severe disability that has hindered their employment in the regular workforce. Our customers expect and receive the same quality work that a company might expect from any other industrial shop. It's just that our work is done by people with disabilities. Our workers have many of the same "abilities" as any other worker; they just need some allowances that we are able to provide that a for-profit company does not. We take pride in our accommodations and our workers. For more information call our Workshop at 256-381-1110

Physical Therapy is rehabilitation armed in helping patients maintain, recover or improve their physical ability. The most up to date equipment such as, Nusteps, treadmills, cycles and various other pieces of equipment are used as needed. A written prescription from a physician is required. Our staff of well trained professionals works with each patient to develope and implement a plan of rehabilitation that will optimize the patient's recovery. Our therapists work hand in hand with the patient's doctor to ensure the very best rehabilitative results. The therapists at the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center Northwest Alabama are licensed by the State of Alabama Board of Physical Therapy.Our Therapy department is large enough to offer the most advanced equipment and techniques while at the same time still small enough to give each patient the one-on-one personalized attention deserved. At Easterseals we continually challenge ourselves to improve our service; to implement new therapy ideas to maximize the use of ever expanding technologies; and most of all, to help every individual patient become everything they dreamed they could be and maybe even more. Physical Therapy and Occupational therapy is provided at Easterseals by Robin Irwin Physical therapy services.

Easterseals Northwest Alabama Adults Vocational Program works with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services to help individuals with disabilities seeking employment. The disability does not matter as long as the individual is capable of obtaining and maintaining employment in the workforce. We serve all ages, from high school to senior citizen. Many of our consumers, while able to work, need some assistance to be successful. Easterseals Northwest Alabama provides training, resources and individual assistance to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same opportunity to succeed as a person without a disability. Easterseals Northwest Alabama provides Job Readiness training which includes resume writing, application assistance, interview skills, time management, job exploration and job placement assistance. Our goal is that each individual that completes our Vocational Services Program is ready for employment in their area of interest. All services provided to our Consumers are based upon what we call a “Person Centered Philosophy.” The Staff at Easterseals is available to help and advise the Consumer but ultimately the program is Consumer driven and the Consumer has total control of their individual programs. All services are “Consumer Choice,” meaning the Consumer is supported by the Easterseals Staff but the Consumer has the final choice in any matters related to their individual program. For additional information contact the Vocational Services Department at 256-381-1110.

Occupational Therapy helps people across the lifespan participate in things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes. Occupational Therapy services typically include: An individualized evaluation, during which the client/family and occupational therapist determine the person's goals. Customized intervention to improve the person's ability to perform daily activities and reach their goals. An outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan. Occupational Therapy services may include recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use, along with guidance and education for family members and caregivers. Occupational Therapy practitioners have a holistic approach in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team. Physical Therapy and Occupational therapy is provided at Easterseals by Robin Irwin Physical therapy services.

he Easterseals Rehabilitation Center Northwest Alabama is committed to providing quality community services to enable children and adults with disabilities achieve their maximum potential. To do this, we strive to be the most effective organization helping those we serve live with equality, dignity, and independence. The services provided include Vocational Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Easterseals Northwest Alabama is a non-profit organization operated by a local Board of Directors under the authority delegated by Easterseals, Alabama, Inc. Services are rendered regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability or income. We want to help! The facility is designated primarily to serve individuals from Colbert, Lauderdale, Franklin, Marion, Lawrence and Winston Counties, but will accept clients/patients from throughout Alabama. The Center’s Vocational Services are accredited through CARF (Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) and the Center is licensed by the Alabama Department of Public Health. At the core of Easterseals Northwest Alabama is a caring passion for those with disabilities. This heart-felt passion for helping children and adults with disabilities is what Easterseals Northwest Alabama is about.