Featured Workshop 

Knowing Your Rights in the Workforce
​​By: Dan Taylor, L.I.F.E. Inc. Communications Specialist

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Caleb Berkemeier, Training Specialist at the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center.
​Navigating your rights as a disabled person can be challenging but where to turn to for help can be even harder.

L.I.F.E. Inc. held a seminar this year with Caleb Berkemeier who is a Training Specialist with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Berkemeier spoke about the importance of knowing your rights and what to do if you feel like your rights have been violated. Berkemeier says the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, provides information, guidance and, training, to DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, and WV on the ADA. Berkemeier was quick to point out that the organization is not an advocate for the disabled but simply there to answer questions should you have them.

“We help people understand what their rights are,” Berkemeier said. “We give them resources that they can then share with their employers with businesses, whoever they are interacting with.”
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The ADA has been back in the news lately, after celebrating its 31st anniversary in 2020 with the ADA in 2020.

The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center is always trying to make connections daily with the disabled community. Berkemeier says it’s vital for the organization he works for, to make sure people have what they need to live independent lives.
 
“We know these places (L.I.F.E. Inc.) are where we can really get out our information,” Berkemeier said. “We are a call center waiting for people to call us. And we get a lot of interaction that way which is obne on one with whoever is calling.”
 
The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center is constantly on the lookout to help organizations such as L.I.F.E. Inc. get information to those who need it. Berkemeier says non-profit groups, such as L.I.F.E. Inc., are able to reach people in higher numbers which helps them get the word out.
 
To learn more about Mid-Atlantic ADA Center click here.

Events & Programs​

Empowerment Group
The goal of the Empowerment Group  is to increase life skills and enhance opportunities for individuals impacted by disability.  During each session participants throughout the state will learn topics intended to improve their ability to navigate within their environment, access available opportunities/services/support, and live independently. ​ 
Accessible Computer Lab
​LIFE, Inc.'s Accessible Computer Lab will serve individuals with various disabilities to acquire the skills and knowledge to utilize the latest technology to achieve their aspirations to live self-sufficiently. Knowledge and skills obtained in participating in the computer lab will be used towards seeking and retaining gainful employment, continuing education and opening communication efforts.
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​Cultural Diversity in the Arts 
​The Multi Media Workshop will offer a venue for artists of all abilities to come together to network and create a works of art. Occasionally local professional artist and institutions whom support the arts will be invited to join the sessions and participate in open discussions with the participants of the group.
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Employment Forum & Roundtable 
​The most prominent barrier facing most individuals with disabilities to live within their community as their nondisabled peers, is that of obtaining gainful employment. Accessing employment and being able to financially sustain oneself are key components to live self-sufficiently. The Employment Forum & Roundtable are composed of the following stakeholders: legislators, corporations, local and federal departments of government, private industry and individuals with disabilities. These programs seek to provide the tools to assist individuals to become gainfully employed. 

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