Independent Living Program
Program Director - Kim Smith
Independent Living is controlling and directing your own life. It means knowing what choices are available, selecting what is right for the individual and taking responsibility for one's own actions. Independent living means being in charge of your life, creating a community where people with disabilities attain equality.
System Advocacy means making a change in the way systems operate. People are motivated to advocate for their rights, and invited to affect the outcomes of local, state and national issues.
Benefits Advisement to assist individuals with SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, Public Assistance, Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS) Independent living Skills and to make informed choices about work.
Mental Health Advocacy to promote personal empowerment by assisting individuals in accessing information, improving and developing skills and strengthening supports.
Architectural Accessibility Consultation is available. NRCIL maintains materials on renovating or building accessible structures. On request, staff will visit a structure to determine accessibility and assist in design modifications.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides our community with consultations, seminars and training resources for individuals, businesses. and local government with accessibility guidelines and rights and responsibilities under the ADA.
Peer Counseling is provided when an individual wants to talk to an advocate who is a peer. This advocate has personal experience with a specific disability.
Housing Information assists individuals with disabilities in finding safe and affordable housing within our community.
Information and Referrals on all types of resources, services and issues are available.
Individual Advocacy to promote self-concept and self-advocacy. This enhances belief in oneself to accomplish goals that are set by the individual.
Peers Together is a self-help group that is facilitated by peers. This is held weekly in NRCIL's community room.
Northern Regional Center for Independent Living (NRCIL) is pleased to introduce an exciting, interactive series of nine trainings. This program was developed at Cornell University where NRCIL staff recently became certified facilitators as part of the ADA Trainer Network. By attending these disability and ADA seminars, the information provided will meet the needs of your organization and employees. Each interactive session may take from two to four hours to complete
The following is a list of the nine programs that can be presented at your organization or business:
- Disability Awareness: Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Getting Hired and Moving Ahead in a Job when Working with a Disability
- Tapping into Talent
- Serving Customers with Disabilities
- About Hidden Disabilities
- Reaching Individuals with Disabilities: Accessibility in Federal, State, or Municipal Entities
- Reaching Individuals with Disabilities: Accessibility in Private or Commercial Business
- Accessible Technology in the Workplace
- Accessible Web Sites: Everyone Benefits!
For more information or to schedule a training please contact Kathy Barkley at: 315-785-8703(V), 315-785-8704 (TTY), 1-800-585-8703 or e-mail: kathyb@nrcil.net.
NRCIL will be offering these workshops free of charge in Jefferson and Lewis Counties. We look forward to hearing from you.