The center offers an array of services that assist people with disabilities in participating to their fullest extent. Following is the list of services and programs offered through the Center.

Accessibility Surveys

On site surveying and final reports completed upon request, which are designed to inform managers or owners of buildings about the degree accessibility of their buildings; reports give recommendations for cost-effective changes. Fee: $75 per hour.

Advocacy

Reflecting such basic tenets as the right to control one’s own life and to make choices, this core service involves a process that empowers consumers to act on their own behalf and resist accepted norms of dependency. Consumer advocacy incorporates an array of approaches aimed at helping people with disabilities to take charge of their choices in life and overcome situations that reduce their potential for being independent.

Braille Services

IICIL has the capacity to produce and replicate Braille materials. As a service to the community, IICIL can translate materials such as menus and brochures into Braille, and produce multiple copies. There is a nominal cost per Braille page produced, plus $20 per hour for formatting.

Housing Assistance & Referral

Provision of information and problem solving assistance with locating and securing affordable, accessible housing. This includes research into public and private sector housing markets and use of the IICIL Housing Listings which includes public and private sector rental units in six county area served by the IICIL.

Independent Living Skills

This service emphasizes building consumer skills in any of the thirteen domains of independent living. It may be provided on a one-to-one basis or through groups to address the common needs of consumers, or both. Either way this is a structured learning process. After completing any skills training curriculum, program participants receive a certificate indicating they completed training in a specific area.

Information and Referral

Access to information and referral services is essential for people with disabilities. In addition to varied types of direct services, individuals need information on options, resources, and the issues that influence their abilities to achieve independent lifestyles. Referrals can be essential to achieving independence, most often involving a variety of agencies and community organizations. Information and referral services are also provided to other service providers and the community at large. This assistance is instrumental in increasing public awareness of disability issues and knowledge of the service options and resources available to people with disabilities from the center and the community. The Center also operates an information & referral library which loans and copies material.

Interpreter and CART Services

The IICIL operates a Sign Language Interpreter service to provide interpreters for persons who are deaf and hard of hearing. We also provide captioning at real-time (CART). Both services are available to local businesses, including health care providers, education programs, and governments. There is a fee to use the services.

Peer Support

This service emphasizes the direct involvement of persons with disabilities as role models in the service process. A basic premise of peer counseling is that by virtue of their disability- related experiences, people with disabilities are uniquely qualified at assisting their peers. Through this core service, a “peer counselor” who has achieved a desired level of independence and community integration shares knowledge and experiences with a consumer. The process facilitates consumer awareness of independent living options and how to approach certain situations and seeks to motivate confidence in overcoming barriers that inhibit independence.

Personal Care Assistance

(PCA) Management Training PCA services are in-home, consumer directed services which allow a severely disabled person to live in the community of their choice. The IICIL provides training to the consumer on how to hire, fire, train, manage, and supervise a PCA. The IICIL also provides a general orientation to PCA’s on consumer and PCA rights & responsibilities, Independent Living philosophy, disability awareness. IICIL do not fund PCAs.

Systemic Advocacy

Letter writing, meetings, and telephone calls which cover a wide range of activities. Typical advocacy issues include housing, transportation, education, personal care attendants, disability awareness, community accessibility, and employment.

Telecommunication Distribution

The center is an ITAC Amplified Phone and TTY Distribution Site in Illinois. We are a point of intake for consumers needing amplified phones and we distributes TTY’s to individuals in Illinois who need specialized equipment in order to communicate via the telephone. This includes individuals who are hearing impaired and/or speech impaired. Anyone who requests this service must first complete an application and have their disability verified by the appropriate medical profession or VR counselor. Recipients must be Illinois residents to participate. We assist Iowa consumers in applying for technology through Telecommunications Access Iowa.

Other Services

The center offers other services such as leadership development, volunteer opportunities that enhance employment opportunities, social events, and various workshops/seminars on consumer self- determination.

Social/Recreation

This area relates to persons with disabilities increasing their social contacts and developing positive perspectives about many forms of recreation. Consumers are encouraged to take advantage of available social and recreational opportunities and to become more active in the community.

Transportation

Support is provided in choosing and becoming skilled in using the most appropriate transportation options. Support also relates to van modifications and acquisition of a driver’s license and handicapped license plates.

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