The independent living philosophy promotes self-advocacy. Many individuals will have personal situations where advocacy is called for. At SCIL we teach the skills needed and provide the tools for individuals to become their own advocates. You will be assisted in understanding disability laws and effective ways to be a self-advocate when faced with obstacles or discrimination.
Systems advocacy means focusing our center's advocacy efforts on broad issues that will affect large numbers of people with disabilities, both in the present and in the future. SCIL participates in local, state, and national groups to promote legislation that will create equal opportunities for people with disabilities. We also examine policies, architectural environments and education and employment atmospheres for people with disabilities and work to create effective changes where needed for full participation by individuals with disabilities.
SCIL staff responds to over 2,000 requests a year for information on everything disability-related. This service is available not only to people with disabilities, but to the general public. If you are requesting a service we cannot provide, we will try to direct you to an appropriate agency. In addition to staff persons who have a wide range of knowledge about disability issues, we have a library of materials available at the center.
At SCIL, the participant chooses his or her own goals, many of which may include learning new skills that will help achieve these goals. You can get assistance in learning a number of things that will help make it possible to live more independently. These skills might include learning how to set and achieve your goals, finding a place to live, how to look for a job, budgeting your money, understanding benefits, cooking simple meals or developing increased self-confidence, to name a few.
It often helps to talk with someone who also has a disability, especially one like yours. This is what Peer Support is about. The majority of the staff at SCIL has a disability. We also have trained volunteers with various disabilities that will visit with you about your feelings, concerns, and goals or just to share practical advice about living with a disability because they have experience with it.
There are often many questions from people about how to apply for Social Security benefits, what to do if you are turned down, and how working will affect your benefits. We can help you understand the rules of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and how they apply to your situation. SCIL's Social Security Benefits Specialist is shared among three centers, so call for an appointment to discuss your issues.
At SCIL, we have an Assistive Technology Demonstration Center, which contains a wide array of devices and pieces of equipment that could allow you to live more easily and independently at home, school or work. SCIL also has over 20 different types of telephones with special features for those who cannot use a regular telephone for whatever reason. These are for demonstration as part of a state program whereby you can get a free adaptive telephone, if you qualify. The ACTT program allows you to examine everything in the center to see what would work for you.
If you are a Medicaid recipient and qualify through severity of disability and your ability to direct your own care, you may want to participate in this Consumer Directed Services program. Attendants are hired by you to assist with personal tasks you cannot perform for yourself. You may be able to stay in your own home and avoid nursing home placement, leave a nursing home and return to the community, or use this program instead of a traditional home care agency. If you are looking for more freedom and are ready for a little more responsibility, this may be for you.
Many times, your own home may not be accessible to you in a way that enables you to be independent. Entrances or rooms may be inaccessible to you. SCIL's RAMPS service provides home modifications that increase access. We often build wheelchair ramps, widen bathroom doorways, install grab bars, or provide smoke detectors with strobe lights for those who cannot hear. There are income guidelines for eligibility for this program. There may also be a waiting list, depending on our funding levels. SCIL works in collaboration with other community groups and volunteers to make our limited funds go farther.
SCIL's Youth Services include transition classes that focus on learning independent living skills, advocacy for educational endeavors such as implementation of IEP's and 504 plans, driver's education, community resource management, social events and much more. SCIL recognizes that youth with disabilities encounter particularly special challenges and offers the support to conquer those challenges.
SCIL staff can provide technical assistance on a number of subjects. These include home modification information, types of devices to make daily living tasks easier and how to file discrimination complaints.
Register to vote at SCIL, where access is easy. Remember, the disability vote counts and we need to use it!
SCIL presently sponsors the following support groups: Little People of America, Post-Polio, Amputee Group and Spinal Cord Injury. We can also direct you to other support groups in the community.
You may need to borrow equipment while yours is being repaired, or something you need on a temporary basis due to a new injury. We have wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, and many other items for loan. We also receive a wide variety of items that are donated to us, and we donate them to persons who have no other means of getting such equipment. Inquire as to what we currently have to donate.