News

UNITED WAY 2-1-1 DISABILITIES INFORMATION NETWORK NOW OPPERATIONAL

July 26, 2012

Author: United Way of Salt Lake

MEDIA ADVISORY
Contact: Amy Bosworth | 801-746-2576, amyb@uw.org
Jerilyn Stowe | 801-736-7709, jerilyn@uw.org

Salt Lake City — For thousands of Utahans with disabilities, the simplest errand can turn into an overwhelming and confusing struggle. Until recently, individuals and families sought help from Access Utah Network. New legislation combined the efforts of Access Utah Network with United Way 2-1-1, the leading information line for help in finding the appropriate resources and referrals related to health and human services.

Now under the umbrella of United Way 2-1-1, Information Specialists have been trained to assist with any and all questions regarding disability-related issues. Callers with disabilities can now dial 2-1-1 when seeking information related to transportation, support groups, legal issues, accessible housing, employment and education resources, assistive technology, government disability services, long-term health planning solutions, and basic needs services.

By combining efforts, callers seeking disability services will be provided a larger selection of services. With over 3,000 human service sites in the 2-1-1 database in addition to the new disability services features, 2-1-1 callers receive the most appropriate referrals to meet their needs in a variety of ways.

“Our mission is to offer a comprehensive information line and look beyond the original question,” said 2-1-1 Director Amy Bosworth. “Often a caller may have a specific question about one issue, but really need help in many other areas of their life too. We want to make sure they get connected and get all the answers they need.”

Access Utah Network services and resources will be available by simply dialing 2-1-1, Wednesday, July 25, 2012.

About United Way 2-1-1 Information and Referral

United Way 2-1-1 Information and Referral is a statewide service of United Way of Salt Lake. 2-1-1 connects people to important health, human, and community service programs including: emergency food pantries, rental assistance, public health clinics, child care resources, support groups, legal aid, and a variety of nonprofit and government agencies. Individuals, families, and corporate and religious groups can also dial 2-1-1 to get connected to meaningful volunteer opportunities.

The 2-1-1 phone number is easy to remember and easily accessed by any phone and calls are free and confidential. Trained Information Specialists assess situations, make appropriate referrals, and monitor the needs of our communities. Interpreters are available in 170 languages. In 2011, more than 115,000 Utahns called United Way 2-1-1 seeking assistance. Find out more at 211ut.org.

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