Southwest Center for Independence

K J

They seem severely understaffed, and possibly underfunded. Rarely does anyone ever answer the phone regardless of when they're open. If you leave a message does nothing, as you will be lucky to get a callback. Staff also have limited knowledge of resources, especially for people who suffer from mental/emotional disabilities. Please don't rely on them for a ride either, it's impossible to sign up and no one ever gets back to you. The SSDI class they offer is an absolute waste of time. Cheri, the woman who does it, it isn't even a lawyer, cannot give legal advice, and seems to enjoy gloating about how she's living her best-disabled life and you can too! She comes off as very discriminatory toward people who do not have physical disabilities. Will tell you how SSA will argue about your ability to work, but can't give legal advice on how to push back. She will tell you to just give up when you have a difficult case. Mental/emotional disabilities are harder to win which is the only reason I took the class in the first place. The woman told me during the class she will speak to me about my "Individual" circumstances. This only tells me the place doesn't have the knowledge or resources to help disabled people who don't fit their mold. When talking with her individually it just felt she was comfortable to bad mouth me for being irresponsible without witnesses. I explained that one of the symptoms of my disability was clinical memory problems, she said there was no resources for case management, or assistance at all. Told me I was better off not trying because no lawyer would take my case. Shamed me for not having all my documentation despite explaining that I have escaped two abusive situations in the past 20 years of my life. She proceeded to tell me how she sold her home and moved houses a number of times (must be nice), and still managed to keep her documentation. I don't know how she treats others with mental disabilities, but if they have a better story the only other reason I could think of for her harsh and unhelpful treatment of me is my color. Otherwise it's safe to say that they just don't take mental/intellectual disabilities very seriously. Regardless of why she behaved the way she did toward me, I get the feeling it's not how she treats everyone or she wouldn't be working with this place. If I could give negative 100 stars, I would. I'm also wondering if this is something I can formally report/file a complaint. Just working with that woman rattled all my symptoms, it was like speaking to an abusive parent that just tells you that you are not trying hard enough.