Monthly Update
July 17, 2024
The July Update
Hello, friends of Easy Does It, here’s everything to report about that is happening in July.
Our events calendar has been a bit light these past few weeks and our team is itching to get back out into the community. Thankfully, a week filled with workshops is just around the corner! We will be hosting two free Repair Workshops. The first is made possible by our friends at the Berkeley Public Library. The second is a wheelchair repair collaboration on Friday, July 26 between EDI, The Center for Independent Living, and the Community Resources for Independent Living in Hayward. Afterward, we will be tabling at a Resource Fair this same weekend. Also, a huge thank you to everyone who celebrated Easy Does It Day 2024: Champions of Change with us at the North Berkeley Senior Center. We had an amazing time with everyone while celebrating another year of Championing Change within the Independent Living Movement. Finally, we are excited to announce that our Repair Program can now serve Emeryville.
Our Wheelchair Repair Program can now serve Emeryville residents.
We are very pleased to announce that thanks to a generous grant provided by The City of Emeryville, our Wheelchair Repair Program can now offer subsidized services to Emeryville Residents. If you are a resident, you can get started by applying for service on our website and calling our Dispatch Line whenever you require wheelchair repair service or a loaner wheelchair/scooter. We look forward to using this grant to support Power Wheelchair users in Emeryville in their desire to live independently and to also expand upon the number of communities in which we can provide some of our services.
Learn MoreOur next Wheelchair Repair Workshop at the Downtown Berkeley Library
Our second repair workshop for July is getting closer. On July 25th, our Wheelchair Repair Team will be returning to the Downtown Berkeley Library to offer complimentary tune-ups to their patrons. Whether you need simple adjustments made to your mobility equipment or just want an excuse to enjoy the Downtown Berkeley Library’s status as a cooling center for the many scorching summer days we have been experiencing, we look forward to seeing you there.
Reserve a RepairCelebrate the Anniversary of the ADA at CRIL and the Center for Independent Living
Easy Does Its Repair Team will once again be available to help you with minor tune-ups and fixes to your power chair or other mobility equipment at the Adeline St Farmers Market. We will be at the Market on July 2nd to offer free tune-ups and connect their guests with our safety net services. Be sure to register on our website to ensure that our Team has time to work on your device. We look forward to seeing you then.
Reserve a RepairEunice Law’s Resource Fair
Finally, on July 27, the day after CRIL’s party, Eunice Law is hosting a Backpack Distribution and Resource fair. They will be setting up 1,500 children for success in the upcoming school year with backpacks donated by their community partners and have invited countless vendors to connect with their participants. We will hand out our free merch and educate their clients on our safety net support services, which help seniors and people with disabilities to live independently.
This event is sold out
How you can participate in plastic-free July
Plastic Free July is an inspiring initiative led by the Ecology Center, and it is all about reducing plastic waste and fostering public awareness. Here is how you can participate:
Your Zero Waste Home: Waste Audit Demonstration
Saturday, July 27, 2024 12-2pm
Ecology Center Store & Resource Center
2530 San Pablo Ave, Suite H, Berkeley CA 94702
99% of plastics are made from fossil fuels, which means cutting out plastics is a great way for you to take on the climate crisis at home.
But where to begin? Waste audits are a helpful tool to kickstart your zero waste journey; by understanding where plastics enter your life, you can prepare yourself to avoid them. In this free, family-friendly event we’ll show you how to do a waste audit at home and share tips for switching to zero-waste alternatives.
Audit demos will start every 30 minutes. Bring your questions and hard-to-sort waste materials!
Other ways you can participate
- Learn and Educate: Start by understanding the impact of plastic on our environment. Attend workshops, and webinars, or read up on the subject. Plastic Free July is an excellent time to educate yourself about the problems associated with single-use plastics.
- Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Throughout July (and beyond), challenge yourself to minimize your reliance on disposable plastics. Carry a reusable water bottle, bring your shopping bags, and say no to plastic straws. Minor changes can add up!
- Join Community Events: The Ecology Center hosts a series of events during Plastic Free July. These events provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, learn practical tips, and act.
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Remember, envisioning a world without
plastics might seem daunting, but every small step counts. Let’s work together toward a plastic-free future!
Thanks for making Easy Does it Day 2024 a Success
A huge thank you to everyone who came out for Easy Does it Day 2024: Champions of Change. We were overwhelmed by the number of people who showed up to celebrate another year of championing change within the independent living movement. We hope everyone enjoyed the free pizza, live entertainment, and multitude of prize baskets.
Berkeley Rides for Seniors and the Disabled (BRSD)
Berkeley Rides for Seniors & the Disabled (BRSD) assists City of Berkeley seniors and disabled adults with traveling throughout Berkeley and neighboring cities by supplementing their transportation costs with free taxi, accessible wheelchair van and GoGoGrandparent (Uber/Lyft) rides. BRSD is for Berkeley residents age 70 and older or those certified as disabled by East Bay Para-transit of ANY age. For more information and an application, please visit their website or call their offices,
Visit Website
(510) 981-7269
Community Resources
Celebrating Disability Pride Month: Legacy, Togetherness, and Resilience
The Center for Independent Living (CIL) is delighted to invite you to our special event, "Celebrating Disability Pride Month: Legacy, Togetherness, and Resilience," on July 31st, 2024. This event will take place at the Ed Roberts Campus and promises to be an inspiring and engaging celebration of the incredible contributions and enduring spirit of the disability community.
Register to AttendBerkeley Ready’s Improvisational Leadership for CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)
Saturday, July 20 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Tarea Hall Pittman South Berkeley Branch at 1901 Russell Street in Berkeley (after the Local Hazard Mitigation Public Review Workshop).
Throughout history, people have improvised their way through disaster response. In this interactive class, participants will learn how intentional practice can strengthen individual and community preparedness. Grounded in research and real stories, Improvisational Leadership for CERT is designed as a fun exploration that also provides a framework for how to think about supporting our communities when systems fail.
Register to AttendCrisis Support Services of Alameda County
Crisis Support Services of Alameda County works to reach out and offer support to people of all ages and backgrounds during times of crisis, to work to prevent the suicide of those who are actively suicidal, and to offer hope and caring during times of hopelessness. Founded in 1966, Crisis Support Services of Alameda County offers a broad range of counseling, education, and prevention services in a safe environment. CSS’ 24-hour crisis hotline responds to more than 65,000 calls each year. Services include ongoing therapy groups; school-based counseling; supportive services for seniors; suicide prevention for youth; and community education.
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