Memories of Caleb

With the holiday season, we’ve felt so much joy here at The Disability Empowerment Center.  We’ve also been carrying heavy hearts over the loss of a dear friend and colleague, Caleb Walker. Caleb was 18 years old when he was diagnosed with brain cancer and only 23 when it took him from us on December 3rd.  During that time, among … Read More

Meet the DEC Staff: Paula Moyer

We like to take a moment on our blog to introduce you to the hardworking people that make up our staff at the Disability Empowerment Center.  Today we sit down with Paula Moyer, Independent Living Specialist in our Lebanon office. How did you end up working at DEC? I had found out DEC was hiring for a full-time Independent Living specialist in … Read More

10 Commandments of Communicating with People with Disabilities

Speak Directly to the person Always speak directly to the person.  Do not speak through a companion or a service provider. Offer to shake hands Always use the same good manners in interacting with a person who has a disability as you would with anyone else. Identify yourself when speaking to a person who is blind As common courtesy, always … Read More

Consumer Control…What it Means to You

Consumer Control, not a very common phrase, but it’s an important one. Consumer control means that the consumer has the control over issues that affect their life. As a Center for Independent Living, we take our consumer control philosophy seriously!  We are here to provide assistance and information to our consumers and to support them in the areas of their … Read More

Meet the DEC Staff: Katrina Stirn

We like to take a moment on our blog to introduce you to the hardworking people that make up our staff at the Disability Empowerment Center.  Today we sit down with Katrina Stirn, Office Administrator for DEC and the employee who’s been with us the longest! How did you end up working at DEC? I applied to an advertisement through an … Read More

Sensitivity Training

We were really excited to see this new video from DC’s Office of Disability Rights.  It’s funny but really shows some true points. We offer Sensitivity Training as part of our Workshops and Trainings.  If you are part of an organization that you believe would benefit from our Sensitivity Training, please contact us to set up a session.

Top 10 Extraordinary People with Disabilities

10. Sudha Chandran – Disability: Amputee Sudha Chandran is an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer, Indian film and television actress, who turned to acting following the loss of a leg in an accident in June 1981 near Trichy, Tamil Nadu. Click to read more. 9.  Marla Runyan – Disability: Blind Marla Runyan is an American track and field athlete, road runner and … Read More

Meet the DEC Staff: Dan Stroup

We like to take a moment on our blog to introduce you to the hardworking people that make up our staff at the Disability Empowerment Center.  Today we sit down with Dan Stroup, the Executive Director of DEC.   About Dan Dan Stroup is the Executive Director at Disability Empowerment Center. He is married with three adult children. Dan has a … Read More

Self-Help versus Self-Advocacy

Self-Advocacy Self-Advocacy is the act of advocating for yourself and your rights – speaking up for and protecting yourself (with or without the help of others). Self Advocacy Steps: Identify something you need to change in your life.  Do your homework – is this a possible discrimination issue? What are your civil rights on this particular issue? Decide if you … Read More

Meet the DEC Staff: Barb Feaser

We like to take a moment on our blog to introduce you to the hardworking people that make up our staff at the Disability Empowerment Center.  Today we sit down with Barb Feaser, the Director of Independent Living at the Disability Empowerment Center. How did you end up working at DEC? I had previously worked at the Center For Independent Living … Read More