Blog

Etiquette For Guide Dogs

By Mandy Smith | January 28, 2022

Dogs are great! I mean really, dogs are loveable, smart, and can be very hard workers. I wanted to refresh people on some etiquette when it comes to seeing a guide dog in public. * Do not pet, talk to or distract the guide dog while he/she is working. – People might think a guide…

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Advocacy Services

By Beth | January 18, 2022

Do 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…

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Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance

By Adam | January 11, 2022

Since the CDC eviction moratorium was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, evictions for nonpayment of rent have returned in full force. However, if tenants are experiencing a financial hardship due to COVID-19 and are at risk of homelessness or housing instability they can apply for assistance through the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program.…

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KSYLF Delegate Applications Due Feb 4th

By Mandy Smith | January 4, 2022

The 2022 Kansas Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities will be held July 11-16, 2022 at Washburn University in Topeka. The KSYLF is an annual conference that is heading into its 21st year serving students with disabilities across the state. During the forum, delegates enjoy a week full of learning, fun, friends, and, most…

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Braille Translation Service

By Mandy Smith | December 15, 2021

Did you know RCIL offers Braille translation? As a service to consumers, partner agencies, and businesses, RCIL has the equipment and software to transcribe and produce documents in Braille.  RCIL offers: free quotes, no set up fees, no minimum number of copies, free shipping, multiple languages, most files types accepted, multiple binding options, Interpoint or…

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Emergency Broadband Benefit Saves Cost

By Beth | December 6, 2021

RCIL 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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SCAM ALERT

By Adam | December 1, 2021

The Social Security Administration will never threaten, scare, or pressure you to take an immediate action. If you receive a call, text, or email that… Threatens to suspend your Social Security number, even if they have part or all of your Social Security number Warns of arrest of legal action Demands or requests immediate payment…

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Kansas ID Fee Waiver

By Mandy Smith | November 23, 2021

A photographic identification document is required to vote in Kansas. Any person who does not have a valid identification document may receive a fee waiver when applying for a Kansas nondriver’s ID (ID Card). All you have to do is fill out the form below (first link) and show evidence of voter registration. Below is…

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Independent Living Success

By Beth | October 29, 2021

Independent Living Specialist, Macy, assisted a consumer in getting her bathroom remodeled.  The consumer was having a difficult time getting into her bathroom because the doorway was too narrow for her wheelchair.  The consumer explained, “I was hurting myself by falling in the bathroom without my wheelchair and not making it to the toilet in…

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BRAIN INJURY FAMILY & SURVIVOR SEMINAR

By Adam | October 20, 2021

The Brain Injury Association of Kansas & Greater Kansas City is offering a seminar for survivors. Details from their website: “The 2021 Family & Survivor Seminar, Moving Forward with a Brain Injury, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 9 am to 2 pm at Menorah Medical Center, 5721 W. 119th St, Overland Park,…

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iKan-RCIL Services

By Mandy Smith | October 15, 2021

Yesterday was World Sight Day and today is White Cane Day. I feel like with both of those days this week, its a perfect time to remind everyone of RCIL’s services for those with vison loss including blindness. RCIL provides a service that we call iKan-RCIL. This service is for anyone 55 years and older…

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National Disability Employment Awareness Month

By Beth | October 5, 2021

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! Every October, NDEAM aims to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the diverse contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. Each week throughout the month, the Department for Children and Families (DCF) will be sharing valuable information about workers and job seekers with disabilities, details about the…

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Mobile Crisis Helpline

By Adam | October 1, 2021

The Kansas Department for Children and Families Family Mobile Crisis Helpline is a great resource to know. As the flyer states: Services are available for all Kansans 20 years old or younger, including anyone in foster care or formerly in foster care. The helpline phone number is 833-441-2240. Services available include: Over the phone support…

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Transportation for Vaccinations

By Adam | September 30, 2021

Interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, but need a ride? You might be eligible for a free ride with Uber through the Vaccine Access Fund. Reach the service by calling their partner, GoGoGrandparent at (855) 921-0033 Say that you would like to book a free ride to and from your vaccine location, and they will…

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Moving Forward with a Brain Injury

By Mandy Smith | September 23, 2021

The Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Great Kansas City is presenting Moving Foward with a Brain Injury. This presentation is on Saturday, November 13th from 9:00am to 2:00pm at the Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park. Those who have had a concussion or brain injury along with family members, friends, or caregivers are encourage…

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Research Opportunity for People with Disabilities Living in Rural Communities

By Beth | September 17, 2021

The University of Montana Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities are conducting a study on rural personal assistance services.  They are seeking people with disabilities living in rural communities who receives personal care services in their home to participate in this study.  Individuals who participate in this study will receive $30 cash…

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Emergency Broadband Benefit

By Mandy Smith | September 1, 2021

The Emergency Broadband Benefit program is a Federal Communications Comission (FCC) that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband service bills. To qualify a person could have one of the follow: Medicaid, child(ren) receive free/reduced lunches, receiving social security income, Tribal benefits, reduced income due to COVID-19, and many more options (link is below for…

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Freedom!

By Beth | August 27, 2021

RCIL 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…

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Living Life After Vision Loss: Riley County

By Mandy Smith | August 11, 2021

I will be hosting a two-day event, for people who have vision loss, at the Riley County Senior Center on August 12th and 19th. The event will last from 1:00pm to 3:00pm both days. Come learn everything from self-care to using assistive technology to help with traveling and reading. Riley County Senior Center is located…

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Direct Support Workers Needed

By Adam | July 29, 2021

Get paid to help someone stay out of a nursing home! Persons with disabilities are seeking friendly, compassionate, and reliable individuals to assist them with daily activities to enable them to remain independent in their own home. Some examples include housekeeping, errands/shopping, cooking, personal care, and more. These are rewarding opportunities for the right individuals! …

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Low Vision Fair Marion County Senior Center

By Mandy Smith | July 22, 2021

RCIL will be hosting a low vision fair at the Marion County Senior Center on July 28th starting at 12:30pm. RCIL’s Mandy Smith, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, along with Audio-Reader and Kansas Talking Books will be speaking about their free services and options for people with vison loss. Along with presentations,equipment will be presented…

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Independence Celebration!

By Beth | July 14, 2021

RCIL is hosting an Independence Celebration to celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 31st Anniversary on July 28, 2021 in Osage City! Food will be provided. Come and celebrate with us! Check out the flyer below for details.

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The RCIL Consumer-Directed Handbook Is Now Available!

By Adam | July 6, 2021

The recently updated RCIL Consumer-Directed Handbook is now available.  In it you can find information on how to direct your own care and be the employer of your Direct Support Workers (DSW).  Information in the handbook includes tips on advertising and interviewing potential Direct Support Workers, using the AuthentiCare KS Electronic Visitor Verification system, background…

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Thrive Allen County Transportation

By Mandy Smith | June 30, 2021

Thrive Allen County is providing non-emergent medical transportation to Allen County residents regardless of age or income. Service hours are 8:30am-5:00pm Monday-Friday and all trips must be made in Allen County or 115 miles within the county (including Topeka, Kansas City, Wichita, and Joplin.) Eligible trips include the grocery store, pharmacy, social services agencies, and…

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Youth Transition Club

By Beth | June 21, 2021

Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc. (RCIL) is inviting you to join Youth Transition Club!  This group is for youth and young adults ages (14-24) with disabilities in Lyon County.  In this group you will have the opportunity to learn independent living skills such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and employment skills.  Youth Transition Club meets…

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