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RCIL 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 ArticleThe University of Kansas (KU) and Wichita State University (WSU) are working with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) to develop online training courses for Direct Support Workers (DSW) in the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) program. If you are a DSW, a family member caregiver, or a consumer of HCBS…
Read ArticleSocial Security 101: Understanding Retirement, Survivor and Medicare Benefits The Kansas City Regional Social Security Public Affairs office is hosting a FREE web-based training opportunity. This 1.5-hour training will provide information about eligibility and filing options for the Social Security Retirement, Survivor, and Medicare programs. They will discuss online tools available for planning and managing…
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 ArticleIt’s not if – but when – a disaster will happen. Are you ready? Are the alerts and warnings even accessible? Do you have a plan? What are the resources in Kansas? The Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas (SILCK) and the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC) are starting the Disability and Disaster…
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 ArticleApril 25th, I will be in Eureka teaching a class on independent living skills for those with vision loss. This is a one day, two hour event hosted at the Greenwood County Senior Center that will provide information on skills, tips, techniques, and show off tools that can help with daily living. The class will…
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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 ArticleDirect service workers hired between February 1st to April 30th of this year may be eligible for a one-time bonus! The person must be hired and working by April 30th to be eligible. The bonus is up to $1500 for full-time and $750 for 20 hours or less a week. Email payrollhelpdesk@rcilinc.org or call 800-580-7245…
Read ArticleEach spring Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City (BIAKS) sponsors a day on the hill in Topeka to educate state legislators about brain injury and potential legislative initiatives that will help improve the lives of those affected by this injury. Join BIAKS for this year’s FREE event on Tuesday, March 14. This event…
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 ArticleI am hosting low vision independent living classes in Chanute on February 21st and 28th from 1:00pm-3:00pm. The first day will focus on overall skills of living with vision loss (cooking, cleaning, health care, transportation, communication, etc.) and the second day will be more focused on tools to help with these skills. This event is…
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 ArticleMs. Wheelchair Kansas is searching for women of achievement, who are wheelchair mobile, to serve as contestants in the Eighteenth Annual Ms. Wheelchair Kansas event. Contestants can be nominated by a person or group or can choose to participate in the program. The 2023 event will take place on March 17-19 at the DoubleTree Hotel in…
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 ArticleIs your mom, dad or grandparent struggling with their eye sight? RCIL has a program (iKan-RCIL) for anyone 55 years or older that has a vision loss that is affecting their daily living. This service is free and offered in 32 counties. Services include: white cane training, independent living skills training (such as cooking and…
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…
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Individuals with disabilities who need support to remain living in their own homes need your help!
Read ArticleThe Iola Police Department is hosting a drug take back event tomorrow from 10am-2pm. This allows individuals to safely discard unneeded/expired medication and ensure safety and wellbeing to the community. The police department is located at 2 W. Jackson (in the City Hall). Reminder: make sure you always store your medication in a safe location…
Read ArticleThe University of Kansas Research and Training Center on Independent Living (RTCIL) is seeking persons who use manual wheelchairs for a study. If you use a manual wheelchair, if you want to become more physically active, and if you could use a Fitbit and an extra $100 you should check it out! No travel required…
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…
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