1. Independent Living Centers The Gateway to Community Living Resources

2. Services Offered by ILC’s Independent living skills training Individual advocacy Systems advocacy Peer mentoring Peer advocacy Individual and family consultation

3. Services Offered by ILC’s Attendant management training Housing assistance and referral Guidance on accessibility Equipment loans Financial benefits counseling

4. Services Offered by ILC’s Independent living skills training includes: Targeted skills training in order for you to better access the community and live interdependently Skills may be taught either individually or in a group Training may address SSA benefits, getting needed equipment or resources for living Disclosing a disability to an employer

5. Services Offered by ILC’s Individual and systems advocacy: People with disabilities often have to work with a large number of systems in their lives. These systems can range from social security to vocational rehabilitation, from the public schools to private employers. Independent living centers provide individual advocacy services to persons with disabilities as they travel the road to interdependence.

6. Services Offered by ILC’s Peer mentoring and peer advocacy: Peer mentoring includes others with disabilities helping to solve problems, learn new skills and achieve life goals Peer advocacy is making sure that funded supports work as they are directed by the self-determined person

7. Services Offered by ILC’s Individual and family consultation may address: Work experience Self esteem Family/friend network in developing vocational contacts

8. Services Offered by ILC’s Attendant management training: Learn how to recruit, hire and supervise the people who are paid to assist you in your life Help on deciding on directed or self directed services Training for effective communications skills

9. Services Offered by ILC’s Housing assistance and referral: Referral to local housing agencies Help with accessing home accommodation information and services

10. Services Offered by ILC’s Guidance on accessibility: Information concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act Employment Public services Public accommodations and services operated by private entities Telecommunications Miscellaneous provisions

11. Services Offered by ILC’s Financial benefits counseling: Applying for, and receiving Social Security benefits Showing you how going to work will affect all of your benefits, including Social Security payments

12. Get ILC information The internet site for the national organization for independent living centers: http://www.ncil.org/region.html To find an independent living center near you: http://www.ilusa.com/links/ilcenters.htm Then search the old database for state and community locations