Blog
Nevonna had been struggling with having a ramp built and her landlord was not willing to build one but did give a permission to have one built by a contractor. She also wanted an Emotional Support Animal and felt the landlord was not following Fair Housing Accommodations. She obtained a copy of the Fair Housing…
Read ArticleAttention consumers and workers with Healthy Blue Kansas! Please pay close attention to the service that you are clocking in and out for in Authenticare starting Jan 1. Healthy Blue is still working on getting correct authorization data into the system. You may hear a long list of available services, please clock in and out…
Read ArticleRCIL is now seeking a full-time Receptionist for our new Emporia office. Greet visitors, redirect phone calls, provide support for medical equipment loan program, light cleaning, and more. Using a computer is required. Excellent benefits including health, dental & vision insurance, retirement plan, Paid Time Off, paid holidays and more. Request an application at hr@rcilinc.org…
Read ArticleIf you work with persons with disabilities who have challenging behavior, this training is for you. This training serves support workers in various settings such as in-home, residential, school, and day centers. The training is in Wichita at the Independent Living Resource Center on October 23-25, 2024. Open or download the flyer below for complete…
Read ArticleA consumer’s mother contacted RCIL for assistance to help her daughter be more independent. The mother was concerned that her daughter won’t be able to take care of herself if something happens to her. The Independent Living Specialist (ILS) met with the consumer and they developed a goal for her independent living skills at home.…
Read ArticleTopeka – The Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc. (RCIL) recently received state and federal awards to provide its “Core Services” to individuals with disabilities in Shawnee County. Shawnee County is being added to RCIL’s current fifteen county service area throughout Eastern Kansas. Core Services include: Information and Referral Service; Advocacy; Independent Living Skills Training;…
Read ArticleOn the evening of Wednesday, May 22nd the instructions for using the Kansas AuthentiCare/EVV are changing! If you are a consumer receiving Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) or a Direct Support Working providing a consumer assistance please be aware of these important updates. The changes will go into effect at 8 pm Wednesday, May…
Read ArticleRCIL 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 ArticleRCIL continues to grow! We are seeking applicants for a new position – Hiring Clerk – Full-time, Osage City – Be an important part of the RCIL team that processes weekly payroll for 1,000 home care givers. Experience with W-4, K-4, I-9 and Direct Deposit processing preferred. Must be a great communicator over the telephone…
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 ArticleThe KU Transition to Postsecondary Education (KU TPE) has a mission to ensure that students with intellectual disabilities (ID) have opportunities for inclusive postsecondary education at the University of Kansas and prepare for their careers and adult lives through academic, career and student life experiences. They are hosting informational meetings in-person or via zoom for…
Read ArticleAn 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 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 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…
Read Article
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 Article