RCIL has received some phone calls from concerned Direct Support Workers regarding the need for travel documents while they are working for their consumer during “stay at home” ordered periods. RCIL has received official direction from the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services that Home and Community Based Services (HCBA) are considered essential healthcare. KDADS said, “We are being assured by the Emergency Operations Center that there will be no widespread efforts to stop folks to ensure they are out and about for an “essential” reason. We have seen the letters that other industries have been issuing to their employees and we have been told those will not be necessary. At this time, I would just assure consumers and DSWs that they can perform their essential travel/duties. If something changes, we will let everyone know.”
Helpful Tips on Self-Directing Your Home and Community Based Services from our friends at GRAIL
Posted On: March 23, 2020
Categorized: Independent Living
Consumers and Direct Support Workers – here’s an important list of Self-Direction-Preparation tasks to keep in mind to prepare and protect yourselves during this COVID-19 health crisis.
In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19/Coronavirus, RCIL offices are closed to the public until further notice. Limited staff will be working in the main office in Osage City to ensure that FMS/HCBS payroll is issued as scheduled.
Questions? Call 785-528-3105 between 8:00 – 4:00, Monday-Friday.
Need to submit paperwork? Please scan and email it to payrollhelpdesk@rcilinc.org or fax it to 785-528-2938.
RCIL offices are taking the following precautions due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus:
We encourage all consumers, direct support workers, and other potential visitors to handle all business and communications with us over the phone, by email, and fax whenever possible. If you must come to the office make sure you meet the criteria set forth by the KDHE and understand office restrooms are closed to the public.
RCIL Event Cancellations:
- All March and April Friends group meetings
- Lyon County Job Fair (March 19th)
- Parsons Low-Vision Fair (April 7th)
- Manhattan area Low-Vision Independent Living Skills Classes (April 23rd & 30th)
Now Hiring! Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL) – Emporia Office
Posted On: February 20, 2020
Categorized: Employment
Tagged: coffey, Disability, Emporia, full-time, job opening, lyon, osage, youth
Two full-time positions with excellent benefits and competitive pay.
- Case Manager/Independent Living Specialist (ILS) –The person hired for this position will deliver our Core Services (Information & Referral, Independent Living Skills Training, Advocacy, Peer Support, youth transition and nursing facility diversion/deinstitutionalization) to individuals with disabilities. The ILS also works with other organizations on related issues, organizes a peer support group, performs outreach/education on RCIL services, organizes group trainings, and much more. This position is funded by a grant from Kansas Rehabilitation Services.
- Youth Transition Specialist –Funded by a grant from the, Walter S. and Evan C. Jones Testamentary Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, RCIL is looking to hire someone that will work well with young people between the ages of 14-24 and their families to provide an enhanced level of Core Services focused in the unique needs of a person transitioning into adulthood.
We need self-starters that will represent RCIL well and are passionate about working with people with disabilities. Bachelor’s degree preferred. The ILS will work with consumers in Lyon, Marion, Chase, and Morris counties and occasionally in Coffey and Greenwood counties. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. The Youth Specialist will work in Lyon, Osage and Coffey counties.
RCIL, a non-profit organization, gives hiring preference to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Interested? Call Adam Burnett or Deone Wilson at 785-528-3105 or apply by submitting cover letter, resume and three references to hr@rcilinc.org.
RCIL is seeking volunteers to assist with building ramps for individuals with disabilities who need accessible entrances and other minor home modifications. The RCIL Build a Ramp Program provides eligible individuals with home modifications at no cost. If you are interested in volunteering your time and skills or materials please contact RCIL at 785.528.3105.
Changes to Assistive Technology Services
Posted On: January 9, 2020
Categorized: Assistive Technology
Tagged: Assistive Technology, Assistive Technology for Kansans, ATK, KEE
Assistive Technology Programs Relocated
RCIL served as the Northeast Kansas access site for the Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK), the Kansas Equipment Exchange (KEE), and more recently the Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) for the past nine years. These programs are still available, but the staff, equipment, and services have moved to a different agency within Topeka. The Topeka Independent Living Resource Center is the new host for these programs effective January 1, 2020.
If you are interested in learning more about these programs, or if you were working with an Assistive Technology Specialist, they can now be reached at 785.233.4572.
Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities seeking members
Posted On: November 27, 2019
Categorized: Consumer Opportunities
The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities is seeking 4 new council members. Two self-advocates, one Non-Profit concerned with IDD Services, and one non-governmental organization concerned with IDD Services. If you are interested complete this KCDD Council Application and email it to kcdd@kcdd.org or mail to:
Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities
900 SW Jackson St.
Landon State Office Building, Room #569
Topeka, KS 66612
Sharing this information from our friends at Families Together:
As parents and professionals, we understand the process of helping youth/adults transition to adulthood and/or obtain employment, can come with many challenges and obstacles. The Together We Can Learn Conference is the perfect opportunity for parents, transition age youth and professionals to gain information, inspiration, and resources. https://19twcl.eventbrite.com.
The Opening Keynote – From Disabilities to Possibility: 5 Keys to Achieving an Inclusive Life
Rather than focusing on the disability or the individual’s needs/challenges, Dr. Patrick Schwarz will share ways to shift the focus to the student’s fascinations, passions and interests. By shifting the focus, we are able to better prepare students to be active members of their communities where they live, work and play. He will share stories of individuals across the lifespan who are living an inclusive life.
Breakout Session – The Facts About Social Security, Medicare, KanCare (Kansas Medicaid) and Work Incentives
Employment is possible, yet many families and individuals are afraid that if the individual who has a disability works, they will lose their benefits. Join Earl Williams as he shares the facts about social security, Medicare, KanCare (Kansas Medicaid) and Work Incentives. Earl Williams KDHE, Regional Benefits Specialist, will explore the facts about how working can affect your disabilities benefits and how work incentives support your journey to employment. Nothing but the TRUTH .
Afternoon Keynote – Addressing Adventuresome Behavior While Keeping the Dignity of All Intact
For some individuals, their behavior impedes their access to community based learning and employment activities. When an individual’s behavior impedes their learning, or accessing the community, it is important that their team use a person-centered, functional approach to access the behavior and problem-solve possible behavior support strategies. Patrick Schwarz will provide ideas and strategies to help an individual be successful not only in school but also their community.
Ending Keynote – Channeling Your Inner Gumby
Lee Stickle will share ways to help build resilience and help individuals successfully face challenges every day. Building resilience for all is important for success in the ‘real world’.
For more information about the conference visit https://19twcl.eventbrite.com. You will find some amazing sessions that will inspire, encourage and inform parents and professionals!
Tickets
- Parent, relative or foster parent of a child with a disability and/or special health care need – $30
- Youth with a disability (14-21 and attending high school) – $20
- Professional – $40
- Others – $40
Scholarships
A limited number of parent scholarships are available through Families Together, Inc. Parents should call (785) 233-4777 or 1-800-264-6343 or email to request a scholarship. Scholarships cover registration, lunch and conference materials.
Transition Youth… Family Education Session!
Posted On: July 23, 2019
Categorized: Training Opportunities
Please see the event flyer for the August 8th Kansas LEND’s Family Education Series – Transition in Kansas presented by Stephanie Coleman and Sean Swindler. The in-person (see below for online) event will be at KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall Room 153 from 6-7:30pm. Families will learn how engaging in research will help their family.
The session will focus on Kansas individuals with disabilities transitioning from high school in to adult life.
A reminder you do not need to attend in person this will also be live on Facebook at the Kansas LEND page, registration is not required but encouraged for planning purposes as well as sending out the handouts to those who have registered to watch online prior to the start time.