Video: Social Worker Able to Relate to Those Facing Disabilities

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TUPELO , Miss. (WCBI) – For Emily Word, each day is a chance to make a difference in someone’s life.

The 33 year old Okolona resident works at Living Independence For Everyone, or LIFE. The non profit provides core services for persons with disabilities, people just like Emily, a quadriplegic and wheelchair bound because of an accident when she was 19. Emily says her disability helps her relate to those needing a variety of services.

“When you become disabled or are disabled since birth, there are always emotions that go with it. There’s anger,depression, frustration, so you get consumers that are in those emotional roller coasters. If you can show them a few ways to make it easier they can go and learn from that,” Word said.

Things stay busy for Emily, and the two other Independent Living Specialists at LIFE. Last year, they helped 430 consumers in a 22 county area.

Cheryl Falzone helps Emily manage that large workload, as an employee at LIFE through the AmeriCorps program.

Falzone worked for more than 30 years as a waitress in fine dining restaurants, until a neurological disease made it impossible for her to wait tables. She qualified for disability, but started volunteering at LIFE, where she has found a purpose in helping others.

“It’s meant the world to me. It has helped me get the equipment that I needed as my disability progresses, it’s gotten me out in the open, it’s gotten me active, I was becoming very isolated, so it basically saved my life,” Falzone said.

Both Emily and Cheryl say they are proof it’s possible for those with disabilities to lead normal, productive and fulfilling lives.

“It is very rewarding, and it helps me, helping others,” Word said.

If you or someone you know could use the services LIFE provides, go to our www.lifeofms.com