Accessible Housing Program
Funded by the City Community Development Department, this program pays for
accessibility modifications needed in housing rented by people with
physical disabilities.
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Advocacy
Information about legal rights of people with disabilities is provided.
Our staff work with consumers and the community to ensure that people
with disabilities acquire and maintain their legal rights and benefits.
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Assistive Technology
The Assistive Technology for Kansans project is coordinated by the
University of Kansas at Parsons. Kansas Rehabilitation Services has
provided additional funding to identify or meet the technology needs
of persons with disabilities entering or reentering the workforce.
Five sites across Kansas have been established to help persons with
disabilities access assistive technology, regardless of their age,
nature of their disability, or income.
The Northeast Kansas Assistive Technology Access Site was awarded
to Independence, Inc., and is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
Experienced staff will search an extensive computer database to find
information about assistive technology. Staff members can put you in touch
with manufacturers and vendors of equipment, and assist you in obtaining
funding, rental and loan of assistive technology devices.
For more information, check out the Northeast Kansas Assistive Technology Home Page.
Assistive Technology & Equipment for Kansans - Find it
on atmatch.com
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Benefits Assistance
Assistance with identifying and applying for public benefits including
Social Security is available. Help with filling out application forms
and advocacy with other social service agencies is provided to individuals
meeting eligibility requirements for benefit programs.
Benefits Advocacy
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Community Education and Outreach
Center staff and consumers are available to speak to civic groups, schools,
churches and others to increase awareness of the needs of people with
disabilities. The Center's monthly newsletter Ahead of the Times publicizes
information on disability issues to consumers and other interested persons
or organizations.
Speakers Bureau
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Computer Training
The Independence, Inc. Computer Learning Center provides individual or class computer training free of charge to any person with a disability. The computer lab is equipped with a variety of assistive technologies, including screen readers for DOS and Windows, screen magnifiers, a voice input system, scanners, Braille output, trackballs, and alternative keyboards.
For more information, check out the CLC Home Page
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Counseling
Individual counseling is available to address issues related to independent
living including: adjustment to disability, coping with stress, crisis
intervention, relationships and family issues. Our services may also
teach, support, and enhance social and communication skills. Referrals to
other counseling services are available.
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Medical equipment such as crutches, walkers, wheelchairs,
etc., are loaned out for temporary use for a small fee.
For more information: Equipment
Loan Bank web page
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Housing Assistance
Information is provided to people with disabilities about accessible and
affordable housing in the Lawrence area. Training to find and keep housing
is available.
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Human Diversity Statement
Independence, Inc. warmly welcomes all persons with disabilities
and their families. We encourage men and women of all income
levels, people of color, people of all ages, individuals who are lesbian
or gay, and all culturally-diverse groups to join us. We appreciate
diversity and strive to make our Center as multi-cultural as possible.
A large part of this effort involves the Human Diversity Task Force.
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Information and Referral
Staff are available for assistance with general problem solving. Information
about community services and referral to other programs is available upon
request. For more information, call Susan Miller at 841-0333 or email susanmiii@yahoo.com
(This is a temporary email address and subject to change.)
Guides to:
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Independent Living Skills
Group and individual instruction is provided in life skills such as
money and household management, personal care, consumer control and
employment preparation. The goal is to increase the self-reliance
and independence of people with disabilities.
More about the ILS Program
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Personal Care Attendant Management
Independence, Inc. serves as a business agent for eligible persons with
disabilities who wish to direct their own PCA services under the Kansas
Medicaid HCBS Waiver Program. Management includes: preparation of biweekly
paychecks, filing of related payroll returns and taxes, and worker's
compensation coverage. In addition, instruction on hiring, firing, and
training PCAs is available. For more information, contact the PAS Systems
Manager at Independence, Inc.
- PASS
- PCA Application - Print
out & fill in these three forms 1) PASS-PCA-form
2) W-4 3) I-9
- Contact PASS Coordinator Michele
Belcher: mbelcher@independenceinc.org
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Resource Library
Books, video tapes, magazines, newsletters and other publications dealing
with disability-related issues are available for use by consumers, students,
and the general public. Many items may be checked out for home use.
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Support Groups
Independence, Inc. hosts or sponsors various support groups for persons
with disabilities for educational and/or social enjoyment. Contact us for
dates and times of these groups.
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Technical Assistance
Information on architectural or environmental accessibility for people
with disabilities is available to households, businesses, and those in the
building industry. Additional information is available on local, state,
and federal non-discrimination laws that cover people with disabilities.
Specific information is available regarding the Fair Housing Amendments Act
of 1988 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
also see Advocacy or contact Bob Mikesic
- BobM@independenceinc.org
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Transportation
Rides on accessible buses to medical or other appointments and for
shopping or other needs may be scheduled with the transportation office.
Rides must be scheduled in advance; a donation is requested but not
required. Please call 785-841-0333, ext. 215 or check out Transportation Home Page
for more information.
Medical trips to Kansas City or Topeka are available 5
days a week. Call Patty
at 785-841-0333.
Lawrence Transit System
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Volunteer Peer Counseling
Individuals with disabilities who have gained knowledge and coping skills
assist others in coping with their disability-related experiences. Trained
volunteer counselors provide information, resource referral, emotional
support and training.
For more information, check out the Volunteer Peer Counseling home page.
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