Independent Living
An RCIL Independent Living Specialist (ILS) was contacted by “Jeff” who said he had recently been approved for disability, but he was struggling to keep up with his expenses. He also had just learned he would soon be losing his KanCare at the end of the pandemic declaration. Jeff asked his ILS about his options…
Read ArticleEvery year the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy (KYEA) presents the Spirit of Hope Award, in memory of John Peterson. This award celebrates people from all walks of life that recognize the potential and worth of youth with disabilities in Kansas. Adam Burnett, Director of Core Services, received the Spirit of Hope Award from KYEA during…
Read ArticleThirty three years ago on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law signed by President George H.W. Bush. ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life such as jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open…
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 ArticleOnce a month RCIL hosts four in-person RCIL Friends group meetings and one online RCIL Friends group meeting. What is RCIL Friends group? 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 as…
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…
Read ArticleDo you want to work but afraid to lose your benefits? Check out the South Central (SC) Kansas (KS) Employment First Summit event on April 6, 2023. This event is an opportunity for professionals, employers, job coaches, caregivers, and people with disabilities to learn about raising awareness, increasing opportunities, and sustaining competitive, integrated employment for people…
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Our friends at Independence Inc. and 3 Rivers Independent Living Centers have started a local online support group for people experiencing long COVID. The group is open to anyone who would like to join, even if they have not been officially diagnosed with long COVID. Please see the flyers below for more details or contact…
Read ArticleAttention to KanCare Enrollees! KanCare renewals are coming. To avoid any gaps in your coverage, contact the KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800-792-4884 to make sure they have your current address, phone number, and any other contact information. This may help you keep your KanCare coverage after the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). Visit…
Read ArticleJoAnne had previously applied for KanCare a few years back and was denied because she was told she would have a large spend down. She was receiving 3-4 hours per week of housekeeping services through the Senior Care Act (SCA) program. JoAnne felt that she needed more assistance with the house. She contacted RCIL about…
Read ArticleA consumer learned that the Social Security Administration (SSA) denied his Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. He contacted RCIL for assistance to understand why and to get his benefits back. He discussed his issues with an Independent Living Specialist (ILS) and they developed a plan. They called SSA and the consumer learned that they…
Read ArticleThe Kansas Disability Caucus (KDC) Board is accepting applications for six positions on their Board. Click on this link to view the application, which includes a brief history of KDC and what they are looking for in potential board members. All positions begin on January 1, 2023 for a two-year term. If you are interested to…
Read ArticleToday marks RCIL’s 38th year since incorporation! Founded by Bill Reyer in 1984, we have been working for, and with, Kansans with disabilities all along the way. Enjoy these 1984 fun facts as we take a look back.
Read ArticleDid you know RCIL has a PEER program? PEER stands for Peers Empowering Each (other) Responsibly. So what does this mean? RCIL has people with disabilities on staff, Peer Specialists, who work with our consumers (who have disabilities). The Peer Specialist assists the consumer with setting up an independent living plan and helping the person…
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 ArticleRandy has been working on a book series for years and is getting closer and closer to a publication date. He is now in the process of editing the first book which can be very tedious. This task can be even more difficult with a vision loss like Randy has. Randy was able to obtain…
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 ArticleIndependent Living Specialist, Macy, assisted Marie in obtaining a ramp. Marie’s ramp was so rotten that Marie and her boyfriend thought they were going to fall through. Marie needed financial assistance and did not know what resources to utilize. She reached out to Macy for assistance. Macy educated her on funding resources available in the…
Read ArticleAttention Emporia area consumers! ECKAN, the United Way of the Flint Hill, and Housing & Credit Counseling, Inc. are offering a free budgeting class on April 25th from 3 – 4 pm. You will have the opportunity to learn to create and manage a household budget. See the flyer below for more details! The class…
Read ArticleThe Research and Training Center on Independent Living at Kansas University are currently recruiting research participants for a couple of their research studies. Check out their flyers below for inclusion criteria and contact information for study inquiry. Weight Management Research Study (Participants must live within 50 miles of Wichita) Physical Study Research Study (Location can…
Read ArticleRehabilitation and Research Training Center on HCBS Outcome Measurement along with the Institute of Community Integration from the University of Minnesota are looking for research participants for interviews.They are testing measures to improve person-centered Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) outcomes for people with disabilities. Getting services at home or in the community is important for…
Read ArticleThe Salvation Army is offering a Life Skills Class in Emporia on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays every month at 6:00pm. The class will cover simple life lessons that every family needs to make it through the day. Topics include budgeting, cooking, self-care, scheduling, and much more. For more information, download their flyer below or…
Read ArticleDo you know that one of the five Core Services that RCIL offers is Advocacy? RCIL offers two forms of advocacy services and they are individual advocacy and system advocacy. Individual advocacy services help people with disabilities develop the skills they need to represent themselves. These skills help them act on their own behalf to…
Read ArticleRCIL consumer Jerry has been working with an RCIL Independent Living Specialist (ILS) to learn how to use the many different programs and features of an iPad to keep track of appointments, communicate with his friends and family, and other Independent Living skills. Jerry recently learned about the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) through a newsletter…
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