Independent Living

Eureka Low Vision Class

By Mandy Smith | April 13, 2023

April 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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Upcoming Blind/Low Vision Events

By Mandy Smith | February 8, 2023

I 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…

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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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SILCK Annual Report

By Mandy Smith | April 3, 2018

Check out State Independent Living Council of Kansas’ annual report below. SILCK Annual Report (PDF) SILCK Annual Report (text only) For questions or more information contact Kathy Cooper (785) 234-6990 or Kathy.cooper@silck.org

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It’s My Life

By Mandy Smith | March 28, 2018

The Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy is partnering with the Resource Center for Independent Living and bringing our Empower Me! Series “It’s My Life!” Workshop to Osage City and surrounding area youth! This is simply a one-day, weekend workshop that will help youth with disabilities learn how to live independently, make good decisions, and take charge…

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Independent Living Classes for those with Vision Loss

By Mandy Smith | October 26, 2017

RCIL will host two independent living classes for people with vision loss in Pittsburg next month.  The first class with be November 1st and will cover self-care, transportation, cooking and shopping.  November 8th is the second class and reading, writing and over all assistive technology will be covered.  Both classes will run 1:00pm-3:00pm and will…

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State Plan for Independent Living(SPIL) Forum

By Mandy Smith | March 8, 2016

The Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas, Inc. will be hosting a public comment forum over the State Plan for Independent Living(SPIL) for FFY 2017 to FFY 2019 on March 30th from 10am to 12pm. This is an opportunity to gather input, share comments and ask questions on the proposed  SPIL.  The forum will be…

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Every Vote Counts

By Mandy Smith | October 31, 2014

Don’t forget, November 4th is the General Election.  If you are not able to vote that day, Kansas is one of the many states who allow early voting (by anyone).   If you require assistance with voting you may have someone enter the booth with you.  That person could be your family/friend or someone working at the election poll. …

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Health Homes Consumer Tour

By Mandy Smith | February 12, 2014

The Health Homes Consumer Tour is coming to a city near you! Health Homes will start in Kansas July 1, 2014. If you have questions about Health Homes and what they mean for your health, these meetings are for you! The meetings are free and you will learn about Health Homes in Kansas. Are these…

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iKan-RCIL Older Blind Project

By Mandy Smith | April 23, 2013

RCIL was awarded part of the grant from Kansas Rehabilitation and Services (KRS) to serve individuals who are 55 years and older and are blind or have low vision.  RCIL has been serving this population since August of 2010 with the PILR/RCIL/SKIL consortium that was also funded by a grant from KRS.  This time, however,…

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Flu season still going full speed

By Mandy Smith | February 12, 2013

The cold and flu season is in full swing. If you haven’t already gotten your flu shot, it is important that you get it now. There is still time! Certain people are at greater risk of getting the flu. This includes: Young children. The elderly. Pregnant women. And people with certain long-term medical conditions. If…

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KanCare Health Plan Informational Meetings

By Mandy Smith | November 7, 2012

 Learn more about choosing the KanCare health plan that is right for you and your family.  Medicaid participants are encouraged to attend a meeting where they will be provided information to choose your KanCare plan.  If you have questions, please call 1-866-305-5147. If you require special assistance for a meeting (like a translator or hand…

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Eating healthy and on a budget

By Mandy Smith | August 1, 2012

  Is it possible to eat healthy and still stay on your budget?  I’ve always heard “But eating healthy always costs so much more.”  I guess it depends on what your definition of eating healthy is but really it doesn’t have to cost any more than eating “regularly or non-healthy”.  Eating healthy really has to…

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“Got Photo ID?”

By Mandy Smith | June 27, 2012

Kansas has recently changed its law about requiring an ID in order to vote.  (You may have seen a commercial lately about it.)  DO NOT let this stop you from voting! First off, a registered voter who does not possess any of the valid ID documents may obtain a FREE nondriver’s ID from the Division…

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Mark your Calendar: AT EXPO 2012

By Mandy Smith | June 20, 2012

Mark your calendar! The Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) AT Expo for 2012 will be on September 27th from 1:00pm to 7:00pm and September 28th 7:30am to 4:00pm. The 2 day event will be held in Wichita this year at the Wichita Hyatt – Century II.  The theme for this year’s AT Expo is “Imagine…

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What’s the light of your world?

By Mandy Smith | June 8, 2012

Lighting is so important when trying to accomplish daily tasks. Think about when you are outside and the sun is so bright you are unable to see. Think about when you are indoors and cannot find the light switch in a new environment. Lighting becomes even more important when you have a vision loss. When…

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“I’d have to be in a facility… without them”

By Mandy Smith | May 25, 2012

Due to home and community based services, Ross is able to live at his own home. Watch this video as he tells his own story.

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Heidi’s Story

By Mandy Smith | May 3, 2012

    Please watch the video to find out about Heidi’s story.  Being at home is important and so are home and community based services!

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Elise’s Story

By Mandy Smith | April 25, 2012

Please ready Elise’s story of independence through using home and community based services. My name is Elise, I suffer from Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, Spinal stenosis, Bile duct reconstruction, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and anxiety.  I also just had open heart surgery. I live with my husband Bill Fears who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. I…

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Emergency Preparedness

By Beth | April 18, 2012

An emergency or disaster can happen at any time. Do you have a plan in place to help you keep in touch with your family and friends? What about some of basic essentials like food, water, electricity or even telephones? While each person’s abilities and needs are unique, every individual can take steps to prepare…

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Advocacy: Call to Action!

By Mandy Smith | March 27, 2012

The House & Senate conference committee for the FY 2013 budget have held four rounds of negotiations thus far. Next round is scheduled for 1:30 this afternoon. Senate negotiators (Carolyn McGinn, John Vratil & Laura Kelly) have held firm on two items that are crucial to the disability community. Please take a moment and email…

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How I Found My Independence

By Mandy Smith | March 14, 2012

Just like any other twenty-seven year old American woman I just want to live a happy, successful, and meaningful life. From the outside I look like a “normal” woman. When you look at my brown hair, brown eyes, and average height you will see a woman who looks pretty “normal”. What you won’t see is…

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We Need Your Story!

By Mandy Smith | March 8, 2012

The Legislative Session has passed the halfway mark and our advocacy efforts are ramping up. There are so many big concerns for the disability community this time around and it is imperative that we get input to the Administration, the Legislators, and to our communities from Kansans with disabilities. The Resource Center for Independent Living,…

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Waiting for Help

By Mandy Smith | March 2, 2012

Today we share the story of Rebecca T. She has been on the Waiting List for Home and Community Based Services for almost 3 years. The following words are hers. Notice that Rebecca would need a minimal amount of supports to assist her in the activities that she is physically unable to do on her…

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Call To Action: Contact House Appropriations Committee

By Mandy Smith | February 28, 2012

From now through March 6th, we need the disability community to contact each member of the House Appropriations Committee. A complete list of names and contact information is available here. They will begin debating the budget on March 6th. As they are working on budget issues we need to make sure they know the importance…

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