 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Description * Services * Assistive Technology * County List of IL Centers* State Website Link * National IL Center information
Description
An independent living center (ILC) is a consumer-directed, non-profit organization that provides services to increase or maintain the independence of people with disabilities. These agencies are community-based, provide cross-disability services and are non residential. Centers are funded in part by the Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration, Independent Living Branch. The staff and Board of Directors of an ILC must consist of at least fifty one percent of people with disabilities themselves.
Services
Independent Living Centers must provide four core services which include information and referral, advocacy, independent living skills training, and peer support. Many ILCs provide additional services such as: community education, training on the Americans with Disabilities Act, personal care and service coordination.
Information and Referral – IL Centers serve as a central resource for disability related information and services. Staff are available to answer questions and provide direction to other resources should they not be able to provide the requested type of service.
Advocacy – IL Centers provide advocacy to individuals on specific issues as well as teaches self-advocacy to consumers. Many IL Centers are involved on local, state and national levels working for system change in such areas as new legislation, expanded benefits, and improved community services.
Independent Living Skills Training – Providing individualized assistance to consumers to develop skills for living independently is a core service of IL Centers. These services may cover areas such as household management, financial management, community access and assistive technology.
Peer Counseling – People with disabilities have the opportunity to receive services and work with providers who also have disabilities, given the requirement that 51% of IL Center staff must also have a disability.
Assistive Technology
Wisconsin Independent Living Centers are regional providers of the Wistech Device Loan and Demonstration Projects. Each IL Center receives funding to purchase assistive technology that is then made available to residents throughout the state for loan and demonstration purposes. This program provides consumers with the opportunity to try out an adaptive device for themselves prior to making a purchase or seeking funding.
County Listing of IL Centers
Each of the 72 Counties in Wisconsin receives services from one of the eight IL Centers. For a map of Wisconsin IL Centers click here:
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/Disabilities/Physical/ILC%20list.pdf
State of Wisconsin Information
Visit the State of Wisconsin website for the latest information on Independent Living Centers.http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/Disabilities/Physical/ILCs.htm
National Information
For additional information about IL Centers throughout the United States and Internationally please visit the Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) website: http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html
