Assistive Technology
RCIL assisted a consumer in obtaining a ramp, power chair, commode, transfer bench, manual wheelchair, grab bars, a bed pan, and hoyer lift. The consumer is a recent amputee due to an infection that he could not get treated due to lack of reliable Medicaid medical transportation. The consumer also was recently placed on Home…
Read ArticleThe Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc. (RCIL) recently received a $20,000.00 grant from the Trusler Foundation for the purchase of new durable medical equipment and accessible ramp construction for individuals with disabilities. As a service to the community, RCIL has durable medical equipment available for loan, free of charge. The equipment is provided as…
Read ArticleRCIL understands how important it is for people with disabilities to have a safe and accessible home. Sometimes even a small item can make a big difference between moving to an institution or remaining independent in the community. We have a limited number of FREE grab bars, special door hinges, and doorknob adapters available for…
Read ArticleMary contacted RCIL for help to get a new lift chair. She uses a wheelchair due to having both legs amputated, along with other health issues. She had a recliner that was not very usable because it would often be stuck in the air, and then it would suddenly release and drop down causing her…
Read ArticleAs a service to the community, RCIL has durable medical equipment available for loan, free of charge, through the Anita Casey Equipment Loan Program in Osage City and the Phyllis Patteson Equipment Loan Program in El Dorado. RCIL also has the Equipment Loan Program in Emporia and in Iola. The equipment is provided as a…
Read ArticleRCIL was contacted by a retired fireman and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) medic who now requires assistive technology to get around. He moved into a home he had built, but it has a porch five feet off the ground. He needed a ramp to use besides the steps to get in and out of his…
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If you are in Lyon County and interested in a blood pressure monitor please contact our Emporia office! RCIL recently received a grant from the Morgan Wilkie Fund administered by the Emporia Community Foundation to purchase and distribute a limited supply of blood pressure monitors. Blood pressure monitors will be available free-of-charge, while supplies last,…
Read ArticleRCIL received a grant from Kansas Health Foundation Public Health Fund administered by the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas to purchase medical equipment for its medical equipment loan and distribution program in Iola. Items such as shower chairs, toilet seat risers, and tubs of Sani-Cloth will be able, free-of-charge, while supplies last to local consumers…
Read ArticleAs a service to the community, RCIL has durable medical equipment available for loan, free of charge, through the Anita Casey Equipment Loan Program in Osage City and the Phyllis Patteson Equipment Loan Program in El Dorado. RCIL also has the Equipment Loan Program in Emporia. The equipment is provided as a service not only…
Read ArticleRCIL 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…
Read ArticleI get questions many times about available apps for people who have vision loss. I thought I’d write a brief description of 5 apps that have great features for people who are blind or visually impaired. LookTel Money Reader – This app uses the camera on the back of the phone/tablet and then says out…
Read ArticleAssistive 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…
Read ArticleRCIL serves as the Northeast Kansas access site for the Kansas Equipment Exchange (KEE) program and is holding equipment drives this month! Can YOU help? Do you have unneeded equipment taking up space? Did you know that your lightly used durable medical equipment can help a Kansan with a disability who needs assistive technology, but…
Read ArticleTechnology, you have to love it! Below is a link to a YouTube video from Microsoft about their new Seeing AI (artificial intelligence) app and glasses. I am truly amazed at the information this is able to give those without sight. The doors it could open are unlimited! Seeing AI Video
Read ArticleI am starting a series of blogs that will feature low tech assistive technology devices/tools. Each blog will have a picture of the device, how it works, and how it could be beneficial to individuals with disabilities. RCIL does NOT sell items nor earn any profit off of any item. These blogs are simply informational to allow individuals to…
Read ArticleThe Resource Center for Independent Living Inc. is seeking donations of new or gently used durable medical equipment to be refurbished and given to Kansans with disabilities or health conditions through Kansas Equipment Exchange, a statewide program operated by Assistive Technology for Kansans. Types of equipment being sought include manual and powered wheelchairs, communication devices,…
Read ArticleKansas Youth Empowerment Academy will be hosting its annual fundraising garage sale/bake sale on May 30th. The fundraiser Garage Sale/Bake Sale will be from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm in the KYEA parking lot (517 SW 37th St., Topeka). RCIL will also be holding a Kansas Equipment Exchange (KEE) equipment drive that day. KEE is designed to…
Read ArticlePlease keep September 12-14 open to join the Assistive Technology (AT) Expo at the Topeka Expo Center. More than 20 AT sessions will be given ranging from independent living, community, employment, education and recreation. There will also be around 200 booths set up in the Expo hall. The AT Expo is free to the public! The AT…
Read ArticleAssistive Technology for Kansans, RCIL and Freedom Scientific are hosting Vision Awareness Days where individuals can learn more about living with vision loss. The event will be held on February 6th from 10:00am-4:00pm at the Topeka Public Library Aud. 101 B. This event will include free learning sessions, free lunch and hands-on demonstrations. The learning…
Read ArticleI am so pleased to be here at the Kansas Infinitec Coalition Outstanding Student Technology Awards luncheon. This award luncheon is to honor students who are using assistive technology to better their learning experiences. This luncheon is a “Celebration to the power of technology that these students are using” Paul Dulle, President and CEO UCPGC/Infinite…
Read ArticleDoes opportunity happen or do we go looking for it? According to Hubert B. Von Holton we must have our eyes and ears open to because opportunity happens but most aren’t looking for it. “The older I get the more I believe that opportunities pass everyone equal. When you are young you only think they…
Read ArticleRCIL is hosting a booth at the Assistive Technology Expo this year in Wichita. I am “manning” the booth to share with the participants my newly offered service, orientation and mobility. I have spoken to approximately 30 participants this far and explained some of the services RCIL has to offer. Remember, assistive technology does not…
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