Four Core Services

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. Information is available on a variety of disability related subjects such as the ADA, advocacy, daily living skills, housing, recreation, etc. Independence Associates is also a member of the Massachusetts Network of Information Providers.

Advocacy

1. Individual Advocacy means teaching a person how to obtain goals that may include issues such as housing, mobility or education.
2. Self advocacy is the empowerment of the individual to be able to advocate for themselves, on issues which may interfere with their ability to maintain an independent lifestyle.
3. Systems Advocacy is the development and revision of policies that promote accessibility through the removal of discriminating practices.

Independent Living Skills:

Independent living skills training is focused on consumer skills development. This would include empowerment of the individual with a disability to solve their own problems and achieve their personal goals. Topics of skills training may include daily living skills, health and nutrition, assistive technology, personal mobility, transportation, sexuality education, and any other activities with which the consumer requests.

Peer Counseling:

Peers are people with disabilities providing mutual support and assistance to others with disabilities. Based on an understanding of the independent living program, these individuals provide peer support utilizing their personal experience with disability issues. 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, talking on the phone, visiting at Independence Associates, Inc., meeting somewhere in the community, such as the local library.