Beth

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

By Beth | October 5, 2021

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! Every October, NDEAM aims to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the diverse contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. Each week throughout the month, the Department for Children and Families (DCF) will be sharing valuable information about workers and job seekers with disabilities, details about the…

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Research Opportunity for People with Disabilities Living in Rural Communities

By Beth | September 17, 2021

The University of Montana Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities are conducting a study on rural personal assistance services.  They are seeking people with disabilities living in rural communities who receives personal care services in their home to participate in this study.  Individuals who participate in this study will receive $30 cash…

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Freedom!

By Beth | August 27, 2021

RCIL Independent Living Specialist (ILS), Macy Collins, assisted Charla in obtaining a power chair carrier for her vehicle.  She had a carrier at one time, but it was stolen off her car.  Macy taught her the different funding organizations and resources available, how to request use of her assistive technology funds through her Managed Care…

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Independence Celebration!

By Beth | July 14, 2021

RCIL is hosting an Independence Celebration to celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 31st Anniversary on July 28, 2021 in Osage City! Food will be provided. Come and celebrate with us! Check out the flyer below for details.

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Youth Transition Club

By Beth | June 21, 2021

Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc. (RCIL) is inviting you to join Youth Transition Club!  This group is for youth and young adults ages (14-24) with disabilities in Lyon County.  In this group you will have the opportunity to learn independent living skills such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and employment skills.  Youth Transition Club meets…

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Accessible Recreation Opportunities in Kansas

By Beth | June 4, 2021

The Kansas Disability and Health Program (KDHP) is compiling a list of accessible recreation opportunities across the state of Kansas.  The list is posted on their website at www.ihdps.ku/accessible-recreation-opportunties.  The list is organized alphabetically by county and within the list of counties, it is organized alphabetically by city or town.  The list includes accessible playgrounds,…

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RCIL Friends Group Updates!

By Beth | May 14, 2021

RCIL is excited to resume Friends group meetings in person again!  We will also continue to have the online Friends group meetings as well.  RCIL Friends are groups of individuals who all experience disability and meet monthly to address disability needs and issues in the community.  They also share information about disability related topics such…

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Creating an Accessible Vaccine Experience for People with Disabilities and Older Adults

By Beth | April 19, 2021

If you are thinking of hosting or are already a vaccination site, view the handouts below for some tips and resources on making the vaccination process a more comfortable and accessible experience for people with disabilities and older adults.  It has a list of examples on how to provide reasonable accommodations and they are categorized…

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Technology Helps Consumer Read Again

By Beth | April 1, 2021

A consumer’s daughter called Mandy Smith, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, wanting to get her mother a device that would help her read.  The family had tried to work with another organization but kept hitting a brick wall due to COVID.  The consumer who is 102 years old and has vision loss is “as sharp…

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Independent Living Skills Training

By Beth | March 10, 2021

RCIL offers five core services to individuals with disabilities, their families, and their community.  The five Core Services are: Advocacy, Peer Counseling, Independent Living Skills Training, Information and Referral, and Deinstitutionalization/Youth Transition Services.  These services are free of charge to individuals across all ages and disabilities that live in Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Butler, Chase, Coffey,…

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RCIL Friends Group

By Beth | February 19, 2021

Peer Counseling is a Core Service that RCIL offers to people with disabilities.  RCIL helps them connect with other people who have, or have experienced, a disability by hosting an online RCIL Friends group once a month.  The group meets virtually via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 2:00pm – 3:00pm.  They…

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Access to Independence

By Beth | December 17, 2020

James and Sandy Garner were thrilled to have their ramp built at their home.  For several years, James spent numerous days inside their home because it was difficult for him to walk and to use steps.  When he had to go to the hospital, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) had to use their back door…

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ADA 30: Nothing About Us Without Us

By Beth | October 22, 2020

A Virtual Celebration with Judith Heumann Judith Heumann, internationally recognized disability rights leader and activist, will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month virtually with the University of Kansas and the Lawrence communities and guests worldwide on October 28-29, 2020. Heumann’s visit is organized…

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Kansas Weatherization Assistance Program

By Beth | September 24, 2020

The ECKAN Weatherization Assistance Program is accepting applications for individuals in Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Chase, Coffey, Douglas, Franklin, Greenwood, Johnson, Linn, Lyon, Miami, Morris, Osage, Woodson and Wyandotte counties. Eligible individuals include home owners and renters that meet household income levels. If anyone in the household receives one or more of the following sources of…

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Kansans with Disabilities: Transportation Barriers = Health Barriers

By Beth | September 3, 2020

The Kansas Disability and Health Program with The University of Kansas Institute for Health and Disability Policy Studies developed a fact sheet called “Kansans with Disabilities: Transportation Barriers = Health Barriers.” The fact sheet identified the transportation barriers along with possible solutions to remove those barriers for people with disabilities. They also listed several personal…

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MIGHTY

By Beth | July 24, 2020

Do you have a mobility – related disability? Looking to lose weight? We are offering a research weight management program that provides: diet plan physical activity social interaction without leaving your home! All participants must be over the age of 18 and willing to: Being randomized to either individual home visits or group participation via…

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How To Develop A Plan

By Beth | February 7, 2020

Do you have an issue or a goal that you need some assistance to achieve? Perhaps you can’t afford that piece of medical equipment you need? Is your goal is to make a cake, learn how to budget, or find a job? RCIL’s Independent Living Specialists work with people with disabilities to help them resolve…

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Offices Closed for Christmas

By Beth | December 23, 2019

All RCIL offices will be closed on December 24th and 25th for observance of Christmas. Offices will reopen on December 26th. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

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Women with Physical Disabilities Needed!

By Beth | December 13, 2019

Researchers from The University of Michigan are asking women 18-50 years old with physical disabilities to take part in surveys about their experiences related to women’s health issues. Surveys can be done from home and compensation is available. The amount you receive will depend on the number of surveys you are eligible to complete. See…

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Kansas Disability Caucus Board Vacancy Application

By Beth | November 15, 2019

The Kansas Disability Caucus, Inc. Board has five positions up for election each beginning January 1, 2020 for a two year term. They are seeking individuals who want to join the group to organize and coordinate activities that promote independent living of all people with disabilities through collaboration, networking, education, planning, and peer-to-peer interaction, including…

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Mobility Impaired Get Healthy Together (MIGHTY)

By Beth | October 24, 2019

Do you have a mobility – related disability and are looking to lose weight?  You may be eligible for the University of Kansas Medical Center Research Study. This weight management program provides diet guidance, physical activity and social interaction without leaving your home! All participants must be over the age of 18 with a mobility…

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Medicare Annual Enrollment: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7

By Beth | October 22, 2019

The 2019 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is October 15th to December 7th.  Medicare Part D is known as Prescription Drug Plan.  Individuals who have Medicare Part D can explore, compare drug plan options, and choose a plan that will meet their needs during annual enrollment.  The plan they choose will go into effect on January…

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Attention! Self-Directing Consumers Learn how to be a better employer!

By Beth | October 2, 2019

Please join us for an informative session on Self-Directing your Home and Community Based Services. Topics will include information on: How to Recruit, Select, Interview, Hire, Train, Supervise and Dismiss Direct Support Workers (DSWs) Understanding Enhanced Care Services (Sleep Cycle Support) KS AuthentiCare (the Electronic Visit Verification Call In System) Having a Backup Plan (of…

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Attention! Self-Directing Consumers Learn how to be a better employer!

By Beth | September 9, 2019

Please join us for an informative session on Self-Directing your Home and Community Based Services. Topics will include information on: How to Recruit, Select, Interview, Hire, Train, Supervise and Dismiss Direct Support Workers (DSWs) Understanding Enhanced Care Services (Sleep Cycle Support) KS AuthentiCare (the Electronic Visit Verification Call In System) Having a Backup Plan (of…

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Attention! Self-Directing Consumers Learn how to be a better employer!

By Beth | August 23, 2019

Please join us for an informative session on Self-Directing your Home and Community Based Services.  Topics will include information on: How to Recruit, Select, Interview, Hire, Train, Supervise and Dismiss Direct Support Workers (DSWs) Understanding Enhanced Care Services (Sleep Cycle Support) KS AuthentiCare (the Electronic Visit Verification Call In System) Having a Backup Plan (of…

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