Independent Living Services
As a Center for Independent Living, we offer an array of services to help empower individuals with disabilities.
Our Five Core Services are essential in helping individuals achieve their goals.
For more information on any of our programs, or to schedule a demonstration, call the Services for Independent Living
(SIL) Department at (417) 667-7007
Advocacy
- Self-Advocacy – Teaching individuals to advocate for their own rights and needs.
- Housing Advocacy – Helping individuals find accessible, affordable housing.
- Employment Advocacy – Assisting with workplace accommodations and equal employment opportunities.
- Education Advocacy – Ensuring students receive necessary accommodations under IDEA and Section 504.
- Healthcare Advocacy – Supporting access to medical care, personal attendants, and assistive technology.
- Transportation Advocacy – Working to ensure accessible public and private transportation options.
- Benefits Advocacy – Helping individuals navigate Social Security, Medicaid, and other support programs.
- Legal Rights Advocacy – Ensuring individuals understand and access their legal rights under ADA and other laws.
- Peer Support – Connecting individuals with disabilities to mentors who provide guidance and encouragement.
- Legislative Advocacy – Lobbying for disability rights laws like the ADA, Olmstead Act compliance, and funding for independent living programs.
- Public Policy Reform – Influencing government policies to support accessible housing, employment, healthcare, and transportation.
- Disability Rights Campaigns – Organizing movements to raise awareness about disability rights and issues.
- Accessibility Advocacy – Working with businesses, city planners, and institutions to ensure environments are fully accessible.
- Voting Rights Advocacy – Ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to voting and civic participation.
Independent Living Skills Classes
- Budgeting
- Cooking & Household Skills
- Job Skills
- Self Determination
- Social & Life Skills
Information and Referral
General Information & Referral
- Disability rights and laws (ADA, Rehabilitation Act, Fair Housing Act)
- Independent living philosophy and resources
- Local, state, and federal disability programs
- Advocacy organizations and support networks
Housing Resources
- Accessible and affordable housing options
- Housing modifications and home accessibility programs
- Tenant rights and fair housing laws
- Emergency housing and homelessness prevention
Employment & Education
- Vocational rehabilitation services
- Job training and placement programs
- Workplace accommodations and ADA compliance
- Higher education accessibility and accommodations
- Financial aid and scholarship opportunities for students with disabilities
Healthcare & Personal Assistance
- Medicaid, Medicare, and other health insurance options
- Personal care attendants and home health services
- Durable medical equipment and assistive technology resources
- Mental health and counseling services
Transportation Assistance
- Accessible public and private transportation services
- Paratransit eligibility and application assistance
- Adaptive driving programs and vehicle modifications
- Travel training for individuals with disabilities
Benefits & Financial Assistance
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Food assistance programs (SNAP, food banks)
- Utility assistance and energy support programs
- Financial planning and disability-related savings programs (ABLE accounts)
Legal & Advocacy Services
- Disability discrimination complaints and legal resources
- Guardianship and alternatives to guardianship (supported decision-making)
- Voter rights and accessibility in elections
- Civil rights protections under disability laws
Community & Peer Support
- Disability peer support groups
- Independent living skills training and workshops
- Family and caregiver support services
- Recreation and adaptive sports opportunities
Peer Counseling
- One-on-One Peer Support – Individuals with disabilities provide guidance and emotional support to others facing similar challenges.
- Group Peer Support – Facilitated support groups where individuals can share experiences and strategies.
- Independent Living Skills Training – Teaching skills such as budgeting, self-advocacy, personal care management, and employment readiness.
- Goal-Setting Assistance – Helping individuals create and achieve personal goals for greater independence.
- Self-Esteem & Confidence Building – Encouraging individuals to take control of their lives and make informed decisions.
- Transition Support – Assisting with major life transitions, such as moving out of institutional care, entering the workforce, or pursuing education.
- Crisis Support & Resource Navigation – Helping individuals access mental health services, financial assistance, and emergency resources.
Transitions
1. Youth Transition Services
Designed to help young people with disabilities successfully transition from high school to independent living, higher education, or employment.
Key Services for Youth:
- Independent Living Skills Training – Budgeting, cooking, self-advocacy, and transportation skills.
- Education & Employment Support – Assistance with college accommodations, vocational training, and job readiness programs.
- Self-Advocacy & Leadership Development – Teaching youth how to advocate for their rights in school, work, and community settings.
- Peer Support & Mentoring – Connecting young people with peers and role models with disabilities.
- Assistive Technology & Adaptive Equipment – Providing access to communication devices, mobility aids, and technology for school/work.
- Transition from Special Education (IDEA/IEP Support) – Helping students and families navigate Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
- Workforce & Career Development – Resume building, interview coaching, job placement, and working with vocational rehabilitation agencies.
- Housing & Community Living Support – Assisting youth with finding accessible housing and understanding their rights as renters.
- Healthcare & Benefits Counseling – Guidance on Medicaid, Social Security benefits (SSI/SSDI), and health insurance.
- Recreation & Social Inclusion – Encouraging participation in sports, arts, and social activities for a well-rounded transition.
Specialized Youth Programs:
- Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) – In partnership with vocational rehab agencies, preparing youth for the workforce.
- High School to College Transition – Helping students understand disability services and accommodations in higher education.
- Foster Youth & Disability Support – Programs specifically for youth with disabilities aging out of foster care.
2. Senior Transition Services
Designed to help seniors with disabilities maintain independence, avoid institutionalization, and access resources for aging in place.
Key Services for Seniors:
- Aging in Place Support – Home modifications, assistive devices, and personal care assistance to help seniors stay in their homes.
- Transition from Nursing Homes & Institutions – Assisting seniors in moving back into the community with support services (part of the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program).
- Medicare, Medicaid & Benefits Counseling – Helping seniors navigate healthcare options, prescription assistance, and financial support programs.
- Housing Assistance – Finding accessible, affordable housing or assisted living arrangements.
- Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) – Connecting seniors with meal delivery, transportation, in-home care, and social services.
- Transportation & Mobility Support – Assisting with accessible transportation options and adaptive driving programs.
- Social Inclusion & Peer Support – Encouraging community engagement through senior support groups, adaptive recreation, and volunteer programs.
- End-of-Life Planning & Advocacy – Providing information on advance directives, power of attorney, and disability rights in long-term care.
- AT Assessments & Consultations
- AT Device Loan & Lending Programs
- AT Training & Education
- Funding Assistance & Resource Navigation
- AT Device Repair & Maintenance
- Adaptive Communication & Computer Access
- Mobility & Home Accessibility Equipment
- Workplace & Educational AT Support
- Smart Home & Daily Living AT
Additional Services Offered
- Assistive Technology Demonstrations
- Home Automation
- Parent Support Group
- Monthly Social Activities
- Library of Educational Materials for Public Use
- Disability Awareness Presentations
- Scholarship Program
- Home Modifications/ Ramps
- Assistive Technology Loans
- Adaptive Telephones
- Voting Assistance
- Community Advocates
- Job skills & Coaching
- Disability Benefits 101
- Voting Help
- Finding Housing
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All participants receive equal treatment and opportunity.
On My Own Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
On My Own Inc. is an equal opportunity agency and does not discriminate against individuals needing services with regard to race, gender, religion, age and disability.