Stavros
Advocates for Independent Living
Who We Are
It is our goal at Stavros to give people with disabilities the tools to take charge of their life choices, act on their own behalf, and overcome situations that reduce their potential for independence. We have 3 offices; our main office is in Amherst at 210 Old Farm Rd.(256 0473), our Springfield office is at 262 Cottage St (781 5555) and our Greenfield office is at 55 Federal St (774 3001).
Stavros advocates/peer counselors will work with any person with any disability who is facing a challenge to their independence. The MOST important work we do here is to help people with disabilities to transition from nursing homes and other institutional settings back to the community, or to avoid entering the nursing home at all. Stavros has many programs and services that help thousands of people in western Massachusetts to avoid nursing home placement. We are currently putting together a "Home and Community Based Services" page where you will find resources that will help individuals with disabilities to stay in their own homes.
Stavros Center for Independent Living was established in 1974 as a 501 c 3 not-for-profit organization. We are a grass-roots advocacy organization that works for justice and access for people with disabilities in western Massachusetts. For more of our history, click here.
Programs and Services
We have several different programs and departments that offer services and resources for people with disabilities:
Independent Living Services
Independent Living Services enable people with disabilities to live in an environment that encourages and supports the rights of people with disabilities to achieve and maintain a sense of autonomy in their lives. Our advocates accomplish this by providing counseling, skills training, general encouragement and support to people with disabilities in need of such assistance.
SHINE Counselor at STAVROS
The Western Regional SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) program, will now have a counselor available at Stavros! SHINE provides free, confidential and unbiased health insurance counseling for Medicare beneficiaries.
Personal Assistance Services
Stavros Personal Assistance Services enables people with long term disabilities to live at home by providing the funds to hire people who help with daily living activities like getting out of bed, bathing, dressing,taking medication, and personal grooming.
Stavros Fiscal Intermediary
Our Fiscal Intermediary Department processes payroll for the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program on behalf of PCAs employed by our consumers, as well as payroll services for Stavros employees (PCAs are NOT Stavros employees).
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Independent Living Services (DHILS) are for any Deaf, late Deaf or Hard of Hearing people who want full communication access at work, home, school and in the community. This program also provides counseling, information, equipment, support groups, skills training and advocates to ensure everybody's right to know what is being said. Stavros' DHILS is based in our Springfield office.
Housing Services
Stavros Housing Services provides information on accessible, subsidized and market rate housing in western Massachusetts. Stavros sends lists of housing opportunities and related material to consumers interested in living in western Massachusetts. In addition to available housing, Stavros also provides information about modifications and financing possibilities. We also hold housing trainings frequently.
Equipment Loan Program
The Stavros Equipment Loan program maintains a small supply of used equipment that is available to our consumers for a specified period of time. All of the equipment is loaned at no cost and Stavros is not responsible for subsequent repairs. Stavros asks that the equipment be returned in usable condition. We take donations of used equipment in good condition and we can provide a receipt for tax purposes.
Transportation Services
Stavros Transportation Services helps people with disabilities find appropriate transportation. This includes educating people about services and equipment, with an emphasis on the particular need of each individual. Transportation services support advocacy and independent living by providing transportation to staff and, when possible, participants. Advocates help people apply for ADA transportation and to appeal denials.
Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program
Stavros is an authorized agent for the Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program, which distributes free or low cost telephones and related equipment for people who have difficulty hearing, seeing, or manipulating a standard telephone. All you need to be eligible is a doctor's signature on the application. This program is for all ages. Please contact Dave Robinson in our Springfield office at 413 781 5555, ext. 321, with any questions about the application process or the kinds of equipment that is available. Everyone should have access to a phone which suits them!
Massachusetts Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology is any item, piece of equipment or product system that helps make life easier for a person who has a disability, chronic illness or who is elderly. The Assistive Technology Project provides information, referral, training and technical assistance on Assistive Technology issues and policies that provide access to Assistive Technology for people with disabilities. Assistive Technology Specialists at Stavros can also answer questions about loans, self-advocacy, evaluations, maintenance, training and other topics related to Assistive Technology.
Privacy Policy
Details of Stavros' Online Privacy Policy here.