Beth

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

By Beth | August 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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Internet Access from AT&T

By Beth | July 12, 2019

AT&T is offering low-cost wireline home Internet service to qualifying households with at least one resident who participates in the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and with an address in AT&T’s 21-state service area, which includes both Kansas and Missouri! Internet plans range from $5 – $10 per month. Click here to find rates,…

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Women with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) or Physical Disabilities Needed!

By Beth | June 21, 2019

Are you a woman with a spinal cord injury (SCI) or with a physical disability who is thinking about getting pregnant, currently pregnant, been pregnant before, or have decided not to get pregnant? Researchers from The University of Michigan are working to create a tool that women with SCI or with a physical disability can…

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

By Beth | May 29, 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 | May 8, 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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Information & Referral Team Receives Certification

By Beth | April 18, 2019

RCIL Information and Referral Team received their certification as a Community Resource Specialist through the Alliance for Information and Referral System (AIRS).  This credential demonstrates their ability to work directly with consumers either via phone, e-mail, or in-person to provide mediated information and referral systems navigation.  This certification is very valuable for RCIL because RCIL…

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7 Week Fall Prevention Program

By Beth | March 29, 2019

Learn fall prevention techniques and exercises as well as hearing from community experts regarding overall health and wellness.  This program is free to the public.  The meetings are every Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Flinthills Room at Newman Regional Health in Emporia, KS.  The first meeting starts on April 4, 2019. …

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LIEAP Application Deadline Approaching!

By Beth | March 4, 2019

Do you need assistance to pay your utility bill? The Kansas Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally funded program that helps qualifying households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. The deadline for 2019 LIEAP application is March 29, 2019. For more information, visit…

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Emergency Preparedness

By Beth | April 18, 2012

An emergency or disaster can happen at any time. Do you have a plan in place to help you keep in touch with your family and friends? What about some of basic essentials like food, water, electricity or even telephones? While each person’s abilities and needs are unique, every individual can take steps to prepare…

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“Just a Minute…” is 60 seconds too long!

By Beth | March 9, 2012

We all know that accessible parking is reserved for people with disabilities who have a permit, placard or accessible parking plates. We also know where accessible parking is typically located on level ground and close to an accessible entrance to a store, restaurant, or recreational event. Most accessible parking spaces have an extra “hashed off”…

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Disability Etiquette

By Beth | February 10, 2012

  If you have not had many interactions with persons with disabilities, you may not know exactly how to act. For example, you may ask yourself “how do I talk to someone in a wheelchair?” or “how do I interact with someone who is blind or deaf?” These questions often come to our minds whether…

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