Blog

Helpful Tips on Self-Directing Your Home and Community Based Services from our friends at GRAIL

By Adam | March 23, 2020

Consumers and Direct Support Workers – here’s an important list of Self-Direction-Preparation tasks to keep in mind to prepare and protect yourselves during this COVID-19 health crisis.

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COVID-19 – A Message from RCIL

By Mandy Smith | March 20, 2020

Home and Community Based Services The health and safety of our consumers, their Direct Support Workers (DSWs) and our staff is the Resource Center for Independent Living’s (RCIL) utmost importance. With the development of COVID-19, RCIL is following the CDC’s current recommendations and recommend that all consumers and their DSWs follow the CDC recommendations of…

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KDADS Announces Restrictions for Visitors to State Hospitals in Response to COVID-19

By Mandy Smith | March 19, 2020

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard today announced that visitation at all four state hospitals has been restricted effective immediately as a measure of precaution to reduce exposure of COVID-19 to residents and staff. “Restrictions on visitors at state hospitals are a difficult but necessary step in our mission to…

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UPDATE – Office Closures

By Adam | March 17, 2020

In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19/Coronavirus, RCIL offices are closed to the public until further notice.  Limited staff will be working in the main office in Osage City to ensure that FMS/HCBS payroll is issued as scheduled. Questions?  Call 785-528-3105 between 8:00 – 4:00, Monday-Friday. Need to submit paperwork?  Please scan and email…

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RCIL Office Updates & Cancellations

By Adam | March 16, 2020

RCIL offices are taking the following precautions due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus: We encourage all consumers, direct support workers, and other potential visitors to handle all business and communications with us over the phone, by email, and fax whenever possible.  If you must come to the office make sure you meet the criteria set forth…

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Low vision events coming up

By Mandy Smith | March 4, 2020

RCIL’s Mandy Smith will be hosting the following events: Low vision fair April 7th at the Parsons Public Library from 1:00-3:00pm Low vision independent living classes April 23rd and 30th at the Riley County Senior Center in Manhattan from 1:00pm-3:00pm Low vision fair May 13th at the Marion Senior Center from 12:15pm-2:15pm Please look for more…

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Now Hiring! Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL) – Emporia Office

By Adam | February 20, 2020

Two full-time positions with excellent benefits and competitive pay. Case Manager/Independent Living Specialist (ILS) –The person hired for this position will deliver our Core Services (Information & Referral, Independent Living Skills Training, Advocacy, Peer Support, youth transition and nursing facility diversion/deinstitutionalization) to individuals with disabilities.  The ILS also works with other organizations on related issues,…

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How To Develop A Plan

By Beth | February 7, 2020

Do you have an issue or a goal that you need some assistance to achieve? Perhaps you can’t afford that piece of medical equipment you need? Is your goal is to make a cake, learn how to budget, or find a job? RCIL’s Independent Living Specialists work with people with disabilities to help them resolve…

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RCIL Seeking Volunteers

By Adam | January 31, 2020

RCIL is seeking volunteers to assist with building ramps for individuals with disabilities who need accessible entrances and other minor home modifications.  The RCIL Build a Ramp Program provides eligible individuals with home modifications at no cost.  If you are interested in volunteering your time and skills or materials please contact RCIL at 785.528.3105.

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National Braille Day

By Mandy Smith | January 23, 2020

I’m a few days late but National Braille Day is celebrated on January 4th, which is Louis Braille’s birthday.  As most know, Louis Braille created Braille at a young age after going blind from accidently poking his eye out and obtaining an infection that affected his second eye.  Louis created Braille after learning a form…

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Changes to Assistive Technology Services

By Adam | January 9, 2020

Assistive 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…

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(800)273-8255 Suicide Hotline

By Mandy Smith | January 2, 2020

Holidays and winter can be a rough time for many people.  In the last two days, I found out, 3 people I know tried to commit suicide in 2019.  Suicide is not the answer.  If you are feeling down or in a bad place, please talk to someone.  The suicide hotline is always available (800)273-8255.

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Offices Closed for Christmas

By Beth | December 23, 2019

All RCIL offices will be closed on December 24th and 25th for observance of Christmas. Offices will reopen on December 26th. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

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Women with Physical Disabilities Needed!

By Beth | December 13, 2019

Researchers from The University of Michigan are asking women 18-50 years old with physical disabilities to take part in surveys about their experiences related to women’s health issues. Surveys can be done from home and compensation is available. The amount you receive will depend on the number of surveys you are eligible to complete. See…

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Chiefs Tickets Fundraiser

By Mandy Smith | December 6, 2019

There are two regular season games left (December 15th and 29th) vs Broncos and Chargers.  You can also purchase play off tickets through our fundraiser also!  The link is below! https://www.chiefs.com/tickets/ticketfundraiser Follow the link, click the game you want, enter our promo code RCILINC, and chose your tickets.  Let’s go KC!!    

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Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities seeking members

By Adam | November 27, 2019

The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities is seeking 4 new council members. Two self-advocates, one Non-Profit concerned with IDD Services, and one non-governmental organization concerned with IDD Services.  If you are interested complete this KCDD Council Application and email it to kcdd@kcdd.org  or mail to: Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities 900 SW Jackson St. Landon…

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Amazon Shopping = RCIL Donation

By Mandy Smith | November 25, 2019

Remember that when you use smile.amazon.com to shop, RCIL will receive a donation!  All you have to do is type in smile.amazon.com and chose the Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc. (RCIL) then shop like normal on Amazon.  Amazon will then credit RCIL with a donation.  (This is all year long, not just Black Friday.)…

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Kansas Disability Caucus Board Vacancy Application

By Beth | November 15, 2019

The Kansas Disability Caucus, Inc. Board has five positions up for election each beginning January 1, 2020 for a two year term. They are seeking individuals who want to join the group to organize and coordinate activities that promote independent living of all people with disabilities through collaboration, networking, education, planning, and peer-to-peer interaction, including…

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RCIL Updates

By Mandy Smith | October 29, 2019

Our annual Trunk or Treat is canceled due to winter weather.  Please have a safe and fun Halloween! Reminder our offices will be closed November 11th, in observation of Veterans day, and on November 28th and 29th for Thanksgiving.  

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Mobility Impaired Get Healthy Together (MIGHTY)

By Beth | October 24, 2019

Do you have a mobility – related disability and are looking to lose weight?  You may be eligible for the University of Kansas Medical Center Research Study. This weight management program provides diet guidance, physical activity and social interaction without leaving your home! All participants must be over the age of 18 with a mobility…

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Medicare Annual Enrollment: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7

By Beth | October 22, 2019

The 2019 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is October 15th to December 7th.  Medicare Part D is known as Prescription Drug Plan.  Individuals who have Medicare Part D can explore, compare drug plan options, and choose a plan that will meet their needs during annual enrollment.  The plan they choose will go into effect on January…

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RCIL’s Annual Trunk or Treat

By Mandy Smith | October 11, 2019

RCIL will be hosting it’s annual Trunk or Treat on October 30th from 5:00pm-6:00pm.  It is held at our Osage City office (1137 Laing).  As always we will have candy, goodies, and FREE hot dogs! Bring your family out to enjoy a fun filled evening. If you would like to donate to this effort or…

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Attention! Self-Directing Consumers Learn how to be a better employer!

By Beth | October 2, 2019

Please join us for an informative session on Self-Directing your Home and Community Based Services. Topics will include information on: How to Recruit, Select, Interview, Hire, Train, Supervise and Dismiss Direct Support Workers (DSWs) Understanding Enhanced Care Services (Sleep Cycle Support) KS AuthentiCare (the Electronic Visit Verification Call In System) Having a Backup Plan (of…

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Attention! Self-Directing Consumers Learn how to be a better employer!

By Beth | September 9, 2019

Please join us for an informative session on Self-Directing your Home and Community Based Services. Topics will include information on: How to Recruit, Select, Interview, Hire, Train, Supervise and Dismiss Direct Support Workers (DSWs) Understanding Enhanced Care Services (Sleep Cycle Support) KS AuthentiCare (the Electronic Visit Verification Call In System) Having a Backup Plan (of…

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Kansas Health Foundation Grant Received

By Mandy Smith | August 28, 2019

The Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc. (RCIL) is pleased to announce that it has received an $826 grant from the Kansas Health Foundation-El Dorado Fund through the El Dorado Community Foundation affiliate of Central Kansas Community Foundation. The organization will use the funds for Resource Library Technology Improvements at the El Dorado RCIL office.…

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