One of the core services of Centers for Independent Living is Independent Living Skills Training. What are Independent Living (IL) Skills? They include skills that increase the ability of a person with a disability to handle daily activities on their own without the support of others. These skills can include things like completing applications for housing or other services, banking/budgeting, creating online and email accounts and using technology for life’s chores.
When Independence Now consumers gain Independent Living Skills they not only master skills needed to live independently, they also gain confidence in taking charge of their lives. During 2020, Independence Now staff delivered 645 services to consumers who had set IL Skills goals, meaning that many Independence Now consumers accomplished a goal that included learning an IL skill.
Serena Jaros our Independent Living COVID Coordinator shared “One of my consumers who received a Chromebook with our CARES Act funds learned how to check her email, turn her camera on and off and log into Zoom meetings.” During the unique times we are living in, these are highly important IL skills and Independence Now is proud to support people in gaining this knowledge.
To learn more abut Independence Now’s Independent Living Services, contact Shannon Minnick at 240-638-0070 or sminnick@innow.org, or visit https://www.innow.org/independent-living-services/.