A Team Promoting Independence and choices for people with disabilities
Independent Lifestyles Provides four core services in the following nine county area: Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Meeker, Morrison, Mille Lacs, Kandiyohi, Wright and Isanti.
Independent Living Skills
ILICIL offers training in any life area necessary to function in the community and home where you live. Employment, budgeting and money management, housing, transportation, etc. are life areas requiring IL skills. Persons with disabilities often do not have the opportunity to develop these necessary skills. ILICIL offers a comprehensive independent living skills assessment and training program. Consumers desiring IL training can work with an IL Specialist to develop a goal plan that is customized to their needs. Consumers can also be referred to ILICIL by schools or vocational rehabilitation agencies or other service agencies for assessments to determine the area in which there is a need for Il skills training.
Information and Referral
ILICIL hosts an extensive library of disability-related materials to provide individuals with disabilities, family members, other service providers, and the community at large with information on options and resources which enable people with disabilities to live more independently in the community of their choice. The Center also maintains files about many specific disabilities and unique concerns relating to each. If you have a question regarding disability related benefits, resources, services or programs, please give us a call and we will make sure you get connected.
Advocacy
One of the vital functions provided by ILICIL is advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. There are a wide variety of situations in which ILICIL could be called upon to provide advocacy assistance. Advocacy assistance could be provided to the individual consumer on any topic such as employment, education, the system, access, etc. This would involve a staff person working with you to understand your rights and obtain the support services you would need to live independently. Advocacy assistance could also involve the community where you live, ILICIL staff, board members and/or volunteers would initiate activities to make changes in the community to make it easier for all persons with disability to live more independently.
Peer Mentoring
ILICIL offers a program in which people with disabilities serve as role models and that by virtue of their disability-related experiences, people with disabilities are uniquely qualified to assist their peers. This program assists individuals in: overcoming external barriers, goal setting, self esteem, socialization and community integration. The objective is to learn, explore options and brainstorm problems that sometimes occur for people with disabilities, for example, making adjustments to a newly acquired disability or learning to use community services more effectively. This program is supported by the United Way of Central Minnesota.
In addition to those four core services ILICIL provides many more based upon the needs of our community.
Accessibility
ILICIL has an accessibility program that offers accessibility assistance to consumers to become more independent in their homes, vehicles and the community. Some of the assessment projects over the years have been ramps, lifts, door widening, bathroom and kitchen remodeling. The accessibility program extends its services into the community by providing education regarding ADA regulations and business assessments.
Transition
Transition is a bridge between the security of school and the opportunities and risks of adult life. The transition program assists young adults with disabilities to ensure that they are aware of available resources and learn appropriate living skills including self-advocacy and leisure/recreational activities to achieve independence within the community. ILICIL will provide independent living skills training through individual and group sessions in the classroom, in the community, at ILICIL, and occasionally at the young adult's home.
Representative Payee
Representative Payee is a program that offers financial assistance with budgeting and bill paying. ILICIL will work with Social Security to have benefit checks deposited into a mutual account to ensure that primary needs are met.
Socialization Groups
ILICIL offers a variety of social and recreational opportunities some of these social opportunities are held in the local community and some are held in surrounding communities. We offer different activities each month and you may call to request your name be put on our mailing list or to sign up to attend an event.
Skills Training Groups
ILICIL provides workshops on a variety of different skills such as medical, social security, relationships and dating, county services and employment. These classes are open to anyone with disabilities and you may call our office for a current list of workshops.
ADA Surveys and Assessments
ILICIL staff provides on-site advice regarding the accessibility of structures, building, programs, businesses, etc. Center staff will conduct surveys on request to determine accessibility and make suggestions for improvement. A fee may be charged to cover costs of on-site surveys and written recommendations.
Independent living Assessments
ILICIL had designed a comprehensive Independent Living Skills Assessment that one of our Independent Living Skills Specialist performs with the consumer using hands-on, practical applications. Assessments will be made based on consumer accomplishment of tasks through direct or indirect observations, self assessment, and an interview with family members or persons involved with the consumer. Upon completion of the assessment, a thorough summary of the evaluation and recommendations will be provided. Independent Living Self Assessments are available by purchase from community professionals for their consumers. The consumer does not need to be currently receiving services from ILICIL.
Nursing Home Relocation Services
ILICIL offers assistance to people who wish to move from a nursing home or other institution into the community. An advocate from ILICIL will be happy to meet and discuss your situation. For more information see this website.