We want to continue showcasing the amazing work SAIL staff have been doing, so we will be sharing more of their stories about the impact they have seen in consumer's lives using SAIL’s services. Today we hear from Disability Advocate, Emily Harris!

"I've been working at SAIL as a disability advocate for four months. One of the most impactful things I've seen since I started has been the ability to show individuals resources they never knew existed. For example, I have been working with an individual who is elderly. They are rapidly losing their eyesight and fear they will need to move into an assisted living facility. Together we were able to find adaptive ways for them to continue living on their own by bringing assistive technology devices like a large magnifying device, a shower chair, and many resources for navigating their phone. This consumer now says they feel safe living on their own again. These are the kinds of impacts we strive for every day. Every step along the way brings a difference in the consumer's life."

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Your support will help to strengthen five different SAIL programs:

SPAR is our wellness and recreation program where participants build social skills, learn, and have fun at various free events throughout the U.P.  Over the past year, we have hosted 114 participants at our free events.

U.P. Vets Served is a health and wellness program that hosts accessible events for veterans with disabilities around the beautiful U.P. to foster camaraderie in a welcoming and engaging environment for veterans and their families. So far this year, we have had the pleasure of serving 49 veterans through the U.P. Vets Served program, all at no cost to them due to generous donations from our community.

Sled Hockey U.P. provides an opportunity for individuals with many types of disabilities to enjoy the popular sport.  Funds raised go towards purchasing equipment and ice time rental for the U.P. Sled Cats in Marquette.

Assistive Technology is a program that allows SAIL to help individuals find and purchase low-cost assistive technology devices that support daily living tasks such as utilizing computers, cooking, dressing, and reading. Such devices can make a huge impact on an individual’s independence.

Home Safety is our newest program which promotes emergency preparedness and provides low-cost safety equipment to encourage individuals with disabilities to be safe in their homes.

If you would like to support SAIL’s mission this Giving Tuesday, visit https://www.upsail.org/donate/