National/State Organizations
There are numerous national and state organizations that provide information and support for people with disabilities and their families regarding independent living. It is important to know what resources are available and where to turn for help.
1. National organizations
A. The National Council on Independent Living
http://www.ncil.org/
B. ILRU Directory of Centers & SILCs- 2009 (Vol. 31)
http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html
C. Independent Living Institute
http://www.independentliving.org/links/links-independent-living-centers.html
D. Independent Living Research Utilization
http://www.ilru.org
2. State organizations
A. Independent Living Centers for each state
http://www.virtualcil.net/cils/
3. Kansas organizations
A. Research and Training Center on Independent Living
http://www.rtcil.org/~rtcil
B. The Whole Person Inc.: People with Disabilities Leading Independent Lives
http://www.thewholeperson.org/
C. Topeka Independent Living Resource Center
http://www.tilrc.org/
D. Independence, Inc., Lawrence, KS
http://www.independenceinc.org/
E. Prairie Independent Living Resource Center
http://www.pilr.org/
F. Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living (KACIL)
http://www.kacil.org/
G. Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas
http://www.silck.org/
H. Resource Center for Independent Living
http://www.rcilinc.org/
Real Stories
Ryan
Ryan is a young man who loves sports and loves the freedom of living independently. He has been living in his own home approximately ten years, with supports. Ryan has taken advantage of many opportunities to maximize his quality of life. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Home and Community Based Services Waiver (HCBS) programs are two services Ryan has accessed that make it possible for him to live independently. Ryan is a great example of a person with a disability who has created a meaningful life for himself and has become a true member of his community through independent living. Read Parents Speak Out Highlight entitled A Conversation about Independent Living for Individuals with Disabilities with Dr. Martha Blue-Banning. Also, Dr. Martha Blue-Banning provides us with the information regarding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver. Click here to see the document
Body & Soul: Diana and Kathy
Diana has Down syndrome and Kathy has cerebral palsy, both from birth. They live in their own home in Springfield, Illinois, supporting each other for the past 35 years. Alice Elliott, an academy award nominated director, made a film titled Body & Soul: Diana and Kathy based on their true story. This movie also made its television debut on PBS in October 2009. Further information is available at their website.
Diana and Kathy
Training
Online Training for Case Managers
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides information regarding online training for case managers. This training includes an actual curriculum and relevant PowerPoint slides, case studies in the forms of both video files and writing, and knowledge reviews. Further information is available at their website.
http://www.hcbsassurances.org/index.html
Parents’ Guide
The webpage “Through Asking the Right Questions… You Can Reach Your Destination” lists a series of questions that provide information for educators, people with disabilities, and their families. This document helps people with disabilities and their families to make informed decisions when they consider where to live. This document has been developed by Research and Training Center on Community Living (RRTC), Institute on Community Integration (UAP), College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota and Developmental Disabilities Division, and Hennepin County Social Services. Further information is available at their website. http://rtc.umn.edu/questions/index.html
Comprehensive Resources about Housing
Consumer Controlled Housing
A guidebook on Consumer Controlled Housing is developed by Arc Minnesota, Research and Training Center on Community Living (RRTC), Institute on Community Integration (UAP), and University of Minnesota. This guidebook provides individuals with disabilities and their families with comprehensive information regarding consumer controlled housing. If you are interested in this, follow this link.
http://rtc.umn.edu/guide/
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Experience-based knowledge
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