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If we don't know about the laws that affect us and our legal rights, we can feel overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness and frustration. The sense of lacking control over our own lives is a major cause of depression and despair. The Independent Living philosophy teaches us how to make the laws work for us. It also teaches us how we can become leaders to make systems work better. We call that EMPOWERMENT.
Since this center is consumer controlled, we can put you in touch with other people who have faced some of the same obstacles you're facing in the struggle to become or remain independent. Sometimes we all need someone to listen, a pep talk, or a shoulder to cry on. Other times, we need practical ideas. Where do I find someone to help me get dressed in the morning? How do I get a ramp on my house? How can I get my service agency to hear what I have to say? Whatever the issue, peer counselors and mentors understand where you're coming from because of our own experiences. We want to be your source, whether you're in need of support or want to offer support to others -- or both.
We are building a database of housing, job opportunities, and other area resources so we can put people in touch. We welcome your contributions to this effort as well as your inquiries for support. Part of the Independent Living philosophy is that we should be able to take full advantage of all community resources, and not just specialized disability services. We will help you access the agencies and organizations that can help you achieve your goals.
We will assess each consumer's abilities and help them develop ways to function as independently as possible. We offer information to the latest assistive technologies and if necessary the training required to use them effectively. We teach the skills required for the transition from relying on others to personal independence.
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