Four Core Services
The Independent Living Coordinators work individually with consumers. Our four core services are Information and Referral, Advocacy, Independent Living Skills Training and Peer Counseling. Scroll down for the details.
Information and Referral
Information and referral (I&R) services are provided to people with disabilities, family members, services providers, and the community in response to specific requests. When working with IL Coordinators, consumers learn about the options, benefits and services provided by local, state and national organizations. Information is available on a variety of disability related subjects such as the ADA, advocacy, daily living skills, housing, recreation, etc. IA staff has expertise and experience with Social Security benefits, vocational and community services from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, Mass. Health, Housing authorities, elder services, PCA programs and other benefits and services available to people with disabilities. IL Coordinators work with consumers to make and follow a plan to resolve an issue, receive a benefit or service, or achieve a goal. If a target agency requires a referral or meeting, IA provides the information and support as needed.
Advocacy
- Self Advocacy means teaching a person how to obtain goals that may include issues such as housing, mobility or education. At IA, we encourage consumers to be assertive, articulate and effective when faced with obstacles to independent living goals. And when needed, IA staff will support an individual's rights in their community by filing complaints and taking action as needed to remove illegal barriers or obtain services.
- Systems Advocacy is the development and revision of policies that promote accessibility through the removal of discriminating practices. IA participates in events and actions to advance community awareness and to advocate for continuous improvements. Most recently, several staff members and consumers braved icy sidewalks and rain to attend the PCA Rally (January 2011) at the statehouse to support current funding of the MA PCA program.
- Community Advocacy includes working with municipalities, businesses and service providers to address discrimination and barriers in our society and to enforce compliance with existing laws.
Peer Counseling
Peers are people with disabilities providing mutual support and assistance to others with disabilities. Many staff members at IA are people with disabilities and can provide peer support utilizing their understanding of the independent living program and their personal experiences. They may assist by establishing emotional support, skills development, information and resource sharing to help facilitate self exploration and understanding. Peer support is provided one on one in a consumer directed manner. Support may be talking on the phone, visiting at Independence Associates, Inc., or meeting somewhere in the community, such as the local library.
Independent Living Skills
Independent living skills training is focused on consumer skills development. This development includes empowerment of the individual with a disability to solve their own problems and achieve their personal goals. Some skills relate to personal growth, others relate to learning more about how to handle and navigate services and responsibilities. Topics of skills training may include daily living skills, health and nutrition, assistive technology, mobility, transportation, resource management, etc., based on what the consumer requests.