springfield center for independent living

SCIL Services

Consumer control


The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and later amendments mandated that centers for independent living focus on consumer control. To ensure that focus is maintained, at least 51% of a center’s staff and the board of directors must be people with disabilities. Consumer control means the consumer has the right and responsibility to direct his or her own life. That is what makes SCIL a bit different than other social service agencies. Each consumer is encouraged to decide what his/her own goals will be. SCIL staff supports and encourages consumers to take the necessary steps to reach each goal.

SCIL’s 4 Core Services

  • Advocacy (individual and systemic)
  • Information and Referral
  • Peer Counseling
  • Independent Living Skills Training

Individual Services/Programs


Personal Assistant (PA) Training and Referral

Referral

SCIL does not hire personal assistants (PA’s). It is up to the consumer to employ and supervise his/her own PA. SCIL staff assist consumers with interviewing PA’s and help them learn management skills through workshops, individual consultations and support groups.

Those interested in becoming a PA may receive free training and referrals from SCIL to potential employers. SCIL’s PA program is funded through the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Home Service Program.

Anyone who needs assistance may receive referrals for trained PA’s. To receive funding for personal assistant services, consumers will be evaluated and eligibility will be determined by a DRS Home Service counselor.

Qualifications for Personal Assistants
  • Willingness to attend training.
  • Sensitive to the needs of individuals with disabilities
  • Enjoy working with people
  • Dependable, punctual, and have a good sense of humor

Hours are flexible. Positions are often available full time, part time or live in positions. For more information contact Bradley Kinney, PA Specialist at SCIL.

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Employment Program

Statistics show that 70% of people with disabilities are unemployed. How can this exist when so many people with disabilities are looking for jobs and asking the community how they can contribute?

SCIL believes architectural barriers, transportation and attitudes about disabilities are the culprits which keep qualified people with disabilities out of the work force. We are committed to reducing the jobless rate among people with disabilities. Services are available for both consumers and employers.

Employment Services for the Consumer
  • Professional and interpersonal skills assessment
  • Resume and cover letter assistance
  • Job seeking skills training and practical application
  • Interview Skills
  • Assistance in locating opportunities for job skills development.
  • All services are available individually or within a group setting.

After employment, the focus shifts to developing conflict resolution skills, maintaining a balance of social interaction, and assessing and implementing an agenda for professional development. Group members are challenged to set goals beyond the newly obtained job by designing an intermediate career plan.

SCIL offers presentations and technical assistance on:
  • General Disability Awareness
  • Making the Workplace Accessible
  • Hiring and Supervision of People with Disabilities
  • Development of job descriptions
  • Reasonable accommodations
  • Other needs as requested.

For more information on the above employment services, contact Ceceilia Haasis, Employment Resources Manager or Employment Specialist.

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Employment Resources Program

The Employment Resources Program provides information about employment-related resources and services available to consumers with disabilities. This program works together with the Employment Program to support individuals interested in maintaining gainful employment or employment training.

Services Available:
  • Assistance with finding low & no cost pharmaceuticals
  • Assistance with finding low cost dental services
  • Assistance with applications, scholarships and certificates
  • Reasonable Accommodations Request Trainings
  • Individual Support
  • Research
Requirements for participation:

Consumers are referred by counselors at the Illinois Department of Human Services/Office of Rehabilitation services or may request services directly from SCIL. All Services are free. Contact Ceceilia Haasis, Employment Resources Manager or Shavette Slater, Employment Resources Specialist if you would like more information about these services.

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Housing Assistance

SCIL offers consumers assistance in locating affordable and/or accessible housing. This may include, but is not limited to: assisting with the completion of housing applications, identifying housing possibilities, and referrals to agencies and organizations for rental assistance. We maintain a list of accessible apartments and work closely with the Housing Authorities and some private landlords in our five-county service area. For more information contact Dave Munroe, Independent Living Specialist at SCIL.

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Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

How SCIL can assist you in creating an accessible environment?

  • Individual accessibility consultations with businesses and State and local governments
  • Wheelchair ramp program for apartment residents or home owners meeting Federal Poverty guidelines in the City of Springfield.
  • Technical assistance regarding the ADA
  • Assistance with Reasonable Accommodation requests in the workplace
  • Volunteer training for Accessible Parking Enforcement
  • Advocacy on ADA-related employment issues

For more information contact Starla Norris, Access Coordinator at SCIL.

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Deaf Services

The Springfield Center for Independent Living provides advocacy and support for persons who are deaf and hard of hearing. SCIL also provides educational services to businesses, schools, civic organizations, hospitals, and municipalities about deaf awareness, culture and disability issues. The Deaf Services Coordinator collaborates with other SCIL staff to ensure that people who are deaf or hard of hearing receive services specific to their needs. Some of these coordinated services might be: Peer Counseling, ADA Compliance, Advocacy, Information and Referral, Benefits Counseling, Reintegration, and Independent Living Skills Training.

Other Services Offered through the Deaf Services Program are:

Deaf Service Awareness

SCIL’s Deaf Service Coordinator will speak to any organization about deaf or hard of hearing issues. SCIL offers sensitivity training and general presentations to educate the public.

Sign Language Classes

Held 3 to 4 times per year. There is a small cost for the class and the book. Check the SCIL Calendar for more information.

Support Groups

SCIL holds a support group for Senior Citizens who are deaf. Check the SCIL Calendar for more information.

Amplified Telephones

SCIL serves as a distribution center for free amplified telephones. This program is available through the Illinios Telecommunication Access Corporation (ITAC). Please Call SCIL at for more information.

For more information about SCIL's Deaf Services contact Jennifer Nesmith, Deaf Services Coordinator at SCIL.

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Benefits counseling

SCIL also offers assistance in applying for Social Security or Public Assistance benefits. To many, the application process for these programs can be quite intimidating. SCIL can aid in the initial application process and the first appeal. So many times just wording things correctly on the application and/or providing appropriate and sufficient documentation makes all the difference. Often, if a second appeal is necessary, consumers are referred to attorneys who handle Social Security cases and who only charge a percentage if benefits are awarded. For more information, contact Dave Munroe, Independent Living Skills Specialist at SCIL.

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Community Reintegration

SCIL has created the Community Reintegration Program with assistance from a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services. This program assists persons with disabilities who currently reside in nursing homes to move into a home of their own.

Who is eligible? Any person who:

  • Currently resides in a nursing home
  • Is between the ages of 18-59
  • Has a disability, and
  • Lives in Sangamon, Logan, Christian, Menard, or Montgomery Counties. Referrals can also be made to other Centers for Independent Living that serve other communities throughout the state.
How can the Reintegration Program and SCIL assit you to find independence?
  • Assist with the transition from a nursing home to independent living at home.
  • Assist with paperwork.
  • Help with locating accessible housing.
  • Assist in finding appropriate personal assistants or nursing care.
  • Supply necessary household items.
  • ensure all assistive devices are available and in place.
  • Assist with establishing utility hook-ups, rent, and housing deposit.
  • Provide for minor home modifications, when necessary.

For more information contact Shirley Black, Reintegration Coordinator for SCIL.

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Individual Advocacy

SCIL works with each consumer on an individual basis. Becoming an independent person often requires advocating for oneself. SCIL staff make it a priority to address needs a consumer may have that require advocacy. To become a self-advocate, individuals need to be educated about current laws that address the rights of individuals with disabilities. SCIL staff support the consumer by attending meetings and providing a presence to adequately serve the needs of the individual. Some of the areas SCIL can assist an individual with advocacy are:

  • Workplace accommodations for a disability
  • Appropriate accommodations for test-taking for employment or educational placement
  • Securing services through another state or local agency.
  • Accessibility barriers in the individual's neighborhood, workplace and community.

For more information, call SCIL and ask for Susanne Cooper, Program Director. She will refer you to the appropriate staff member for your specific need.

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Youth Transition Services

What does Youth Transition mean?

It means changing the role of a student in the school environment to becoming an adult who participates in the community. This participation includes holding down a job, getting a post secondary education, living independently, socializing with friends, getting married and raising a family, and being a productive member of your community.

How does the Youth Transition Program Work?

  • When the student turns 14 years old, sooner if deemed necessary, a transitional Individualized education Plan (IEP) meeting occurs in which SCIL's Youth Transition Specialist may be invited by the student, parent or school coordinator.
  • It is important for the student to be present at the transitional meeting so their interest and preferences for the future are expressed. Student focused planning is the key. Parents also need to actively participate in the youth's transition phase.
  • After the IEP, the Youth Transition Specialist maintains contact with the student and parents to work on issues surrounding the transition phase and to introduce students and parents to other area service providers.
  • Workshops will be offered periodically to students to work on life skills.
  • Workshops will also be offered for parents.
  • SCIL's Youth Transition Specialist has ongoing contact with the schools, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and agency providers to work as a team for the student's benefit.
Qualifications to Receive Services:
  • Have a disability
  • Be a student at the middle school or high school level
  • Be willing to work on transition goals with SCIL and the school staff.
  • Be motivated.

Supports and Services the Youth Transition Program Offers:

  • Support Groups for teens
  • Support Groups for parents
  • Educational Workshops
  • Independent living skills training:
    • Budgeting Money
    • Time Management
    • Social Skills
    • Communication
    • Problem-Solving Skills
    • Home Management
    • Relationship Skills
  • Disability Mentoring Day participation.
  • Transition Services
  • Needs Assessment: Living & Working
  • College Preparation
  • Employment Exploration
  • Resume Preparation
  • Interviewing Skills
  • Skills Maintenance
  • IEP Assistance
  • Self-Advocacy Awareness and Education
  • Transition Newsletter
  • Referrals and Links

    For more information, contact Carolyn Thorpe, Youth Transition Specialist at SCIL.

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    Volunteer Opportunities

    Volunteers assist SCIL by freeing staff to spend more time advocating for and assisting people with disabilities. This means a great deal to staff and to SCIL consumers. Some of the jobs that volunteers have been responsible for here at SCIL include receptionist work, managing the bulk mailing and preparing the bulk mail, filing, reading for those who are blind, and taping brochures for the blind.

    SCIL also works with other agencies and participates in a volunteer network. If SCIL does not have an opportunity that appeals to an individual, other community agencies might have a better volunteer opporunity available. The SCIL Volunteer Coordinator can assist individuals by referring them to other agencies that have a need for community volunteers.

    If you are interested in volunteering at SCIL, contact Kathy Paul, the Volunteer Coordinator, for an appointment.

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    Independent Living Skills Training

    Independent Living (IL) skills training can consist of something as basic as developing a shopping list or budgeting priorities to something as complex as navigating the application process for Social Security or medical benefits. To provide IL skills training that best suits a particular situation, we often have to think outside the box. When it comes to the types of IL skills training, the sky is the limit.For more information, contact Dave Munroe, Independent Living Specialist at SCIL.

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    Low Vision Equipment Loan and Give Away

    SCIL maintains a small inventory of low vision aids and adaptive devices to loan or give away to people with any degree of vision loss who are 55 years of age or older, and who live within our five-county service area. Examples of items for give away include: adaptive kitchen aids--large print timers, color-coded measuring spoons and cups, double spatulas, and slicing guides. Items for loan include: hand-held magnifiers (lighted or standard), Count-a-Dose for measuring insulin, and large print telephones. For more information, contact Dave Munroe, Independent Living Specialist at SCIL.

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    Technology Assistance

    SCIL staff evaluate a consumer's need for assistive technlogy. Several staff members at SCIL have experience using technology to accommodate themselves on a daily basis. Staff members may share their expertise in a certain area if needed. SCIL also works with other agencies on assistive technology issues and frequently refer consumers to these organizations. SCIL staff strive to educate consumers about the availability of the latest technologies and devices that may better support them in their daily lives. For more information, contact SCIL.

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    Register to vote

    SCIL staff can assist consumers by registering them to vote. This is a very important service as consumers are encouraged to participate in all elections. Elected officials make decisions on a daily basis that affect people with disabilities. For more information about voting please contact Pete Roberts at SCIL.

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    Information and Referral

    All services are individualized which means SCIL may not have a specific program or service that encompasses all the needs of a consumer. SCIL staff work together to ensure a consumer's need is addressed. It may be necessary to refer a consumer to another agency to receive a particular service or information. SCIL staff work with other related agencies to ensure the consumer is receiving appropriate services. For more information contact SCIL.

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    Community Services


    Advocacy

    SCIL works with residents in its' 5 county area to reduce legislative, access, program and attitudinal barriers to independent living to increase full participation in community life. SCIL staff and self-advocates work on issues at the local, state and national levels to ensure people with disabilities are considered when issues are addressed.

    Margaret Mead said it best when she said, "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

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    Advocacy Alert Call List

    SCIL is continuously updating its Advocacy Alert Call List. There is no better way to keep informed about disability issues in our community and state. There are times when a show of people for an advocacy event is needed. SCIL's alert system will provide an easy way to stay informed. If you are interested in joining this list, please contact Kathy Paul at SCIL. Or e-mail her at: volunteer@scil.org. If you would like information regarding SCIL's current advocacy issues, click here to read more
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    Public Education and Disability Awareness

    SCIL offers presentations on numerous topics addressing disabiity issues. Various businesses, state and federal agencies, local government entities, schools and local service agencies have requested SCIL to offer presentations and disability awareness training to their staff and membership. SCIL participates as a training agency for the Illinois State Police Academy offering several trainings per year to their cadets. Some of the additional agencies that utilize SCIL's presentation resources are: Springfield Fire Department and EMS Personnel, Lincoln Land Community College, University of Illinois at Springfield, Office of the Attorney General, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of Illinois, Springfield Police Department, Taylorville Police Department, Lincoln Police Department, Taylorville Senior Citizens Center, Springfield Mass Transit District, Springfield School District 186 and other area schools. Call Karen DeLay, Community Resource Coordinator at SCIL if you would like SCIL to do a presentation for your ogranization. SCIL presentations can be tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of any group. Some presentation topics offered by SCIL include:

    • Disability Awareness
    • Americans with Disabilities Act
    • IDEA, 504 and Educational issues
    • Deaf Awareness
    • Personal Empowerment and Advocacy
    • Employers Support and Education
    • Volunteer Opportunities at SCIL
    • Specific Disability Topic or Issue
    • Volunteer Parking Program
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    SCIL's Ramp Program

    SCIL's Access Coordinator coordinates a wheelchair ramp program for rental units or home owners meeting Federal Poverty guidelines in the City of Springfield. This program is grant funded through the city of Springfield. Residents can request a ramp to be built on their home at no cost. SCIL sometimes utilizes volunteers to build ramps. This is a very popular program and is now using a waiting list only. If you are interested in learning more information contact Starla Norris, Access Coordinator for SCIL.

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    SCIL's Access Coordinator provides complimentary Accessibility audits and ADA Consultations to businesses within SCIL's Five County Service Area. If you are interested in this service, please call SCIL two weeks in advance to schedule an appointment with Starla Norris, Access Coordinator.

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    Interpreter Services

    Call Springfield Center for Independent Living - (217)-523-2587 for referral. or contact one of the following:

    Website - www.idhhc.state.il.us for interpreter directory.

    Jacksonville Community Center for the Deaf - 1(800)468-9211

    Individuals on these lists do not work for SCIL. Please note that all agencies are responsible to request interpreters and pay interpreter fees when these services are requested.

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    Volunteer Parking Program

    SCIL offers a volunteer parking program training to interested communities in its' 5 county service area. SCIL participates with local law enforcement agencies to provide trainings to individuals interested in helping to monitor accessible parking in their communities. Once trained, these individuals write parking tickets for individuals who abuse accessible parking spaces. This program is monitored by the local law enforcement agency and SCIL serves as a training consultant and technical resource. This program has been taught and successfully maintained in Springfield, Lincoln and Taylorville, IL. Those interested in starting a volunteer parking program in their community should contact Starla Norris, Access coordinator at SCIL.

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    Used Equipment List

    SCIL's Employment Resources Clerk maintains a used equipment list. This list is compiled of individuals or groups offering to sell or give away items of benefit to persons with disabilities. The items range from small, personal items like walkers or shower seats to wheelchairs, vehicles and lift equipment. The content of this listing changes with each publishing, which happens 4 times per year. SCIL acts as only a referral service and it is the responsibility of the individual to make contact with the advertisers in the used equipment list. If you have questions about used equipment, or if you would like your address to be added to this mailing list, contact the Employment Resources Clerk at SCIL.

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    Support Groups

    SCIL offers a variety of support group meetings. These meetings are free and open to the public. SCIL also offers referrals to other agencies that have disability-related support groups.

    Please make sure you visit the SCIL calendar to see if the support group you are interested in is meeting! (Cancellations will be listed at the first of the month)

    • ADHD Support Group - meets on the 3rd Monday of the month. 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Contact Karen DeLay at SCIL for more information.
    • Amyotrophic Lateral sclerosis (ALS) - meets on the 3rd Wenesday of the month at SCIL. 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Contact SCIL for more information.
    • BEST - Becoming Empowered and Successful Teens - meets the 3rd Friday of the month at SCIL. 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Call Carolyn Thorpe at SCIL for more information.
    • Employers of Personal Assistants - meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month at SCIL. 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Call Bradley Kinney at SCIL for more information.
    • Heads-Up Group - meets on the 3rd Sunday of the month at SCIL. 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Call SCIL for more information.
    • Peer Counseling Group - Contact Myrna Felix or Susanne Cooper at SCIL for information about meeting dates and times.
    • Youth Transition Parent Group - meets on the 4th Monday of the month at SCIL. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. from September to May. Call Carolyn Thorpe at SCIL for more information.
    • Stroke Support Group - meets on the 1st Saturday of the month at SCIL. 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Contact Shirley Black at SCIL for more information about meeting dates and times.
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