Independent Living: Community Skills Training (Excluding CILs)

Regional Listings: Middle Atlantic States Region

Community Skills Training Organizations by State:
AK / AZ / CA / CO / FL / IL /IN / IA / KS / MA / MI / MN / MO / NV / NJ / NY / NC / OR / TX / WA / WI / WY // (Official USPS State Abbreviations)

Country Listings: Australia / Canada

Regional Listings

Middle Atlantic States Region

Melwood, a non-profit organization serving Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC, offers a wide variety of services designed to maximize the independence of people with developmental disabilities. Programs offer supported living services, family support services, vocational services, independent living skills training and recreational activities. For more information, contact them at (301) 599-8000.

State Listings

Alaska

Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults, Inc. (MSSCA) is a Valley-based non-profit corporation providing a wide range of home and community based services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Services include in-home and out-of-home respite; supported employment; supported living, including such services as supervised apartment living, foster care, companion living, shared care and in-home support; and family support, including information and referral, short term case management, crisis respite, advocacy and technical assistance. For more information, call (907) 352-1200 or e-mailmssca@mssca.org.

Arizona

Arizona Council of the Blind is a non-profit organization made up of blind, visually impaired, and sighted Arizonans with a primary focus on blindness-related issues - especially on dealing effectively with the challenges of daily living. The council offers a forum for the free exchange of opinions, ideas and information relating to matters of concern to the blind and visually impaired and encourages and assists the blind, especially the newly blind, to develop their abilities and potentials and to assume a responsible place in the community. They also provide scholarships to assist qualified blind college students to pursue higher education. For more information, call (602) 273-1510.

California

Marin Ventures serves those individuals with developmental disabilities living in Marin, California. There is no fee for any of the services provided. They offer two day programs; Accessing Community Experiences (ACE) and the Adult Development Center. ACE is designed to allow participants to develop independent living skills within a community environment. The Adult Development Center is an on-site program that offers training in vocational skills, social skills, recreation and leisure skills, communication, independent living, and community integration. They also provide occupational therapy and sensory integration training. For more information, visit their website or call (415) 472-4961.

OPTIONS is a non-profit organization "dedicated to helping people with disabilities achieve their goals, dreams and rightful place as full citizens of their communities." One of their programs, Community Integration Services (CIS), is a day program offering a unique curriculum of classroom and community-based instruction in Adaptive Living Skills. Job training and exposure to new activities helps participants develop increased self-esteem and a sense of community inclusion. Adaptive Living Skills training allows participants to make real choices about their jobs and leisure activities. Socialization skills are developed as participants engage in group activities and make new friends. CIS serves individuals with head injuries, developmental disabilities or other neurological impairments. For more information, call (805) 772-6066 or e-mail info@optionsccnbc.org .

Colorado

Center for People with Disabilities (CPWD) offers an Independent Living Program for people with varying abilities. This program is designed to allow each individual to take control of their lives rather than continue to be dependent upon others. After referral, assessment and acceptance into the program, each person develops an Independent Living Plan and works closely with CPWD staff members to address independent living skills such as: cooking, housing, peer counseling, employment, self-advocacy, money management, benefits counseling, transportation, homemaking skills and social skills. For more information about this program, call (303) 442-8662 (Voice) or (303) 449-8158 (TTY).

Florida

Quest, Inc. is a non-profit organization serving Central Floridians with disabilities. Services include general skills training, vocational training, and a supported living program. For more information, call (407) 889-4530.

Illinois

Bridgeway, a non-profit human services organization, provides services to people in 16 Illinois counties and 3 counties in Iowa. Illinois counties include: Bureau, Cass, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, and Woodford. Iowa counties are: Lee, DesMoines and VanBuren County. Developmental Services provided include: adult basic educational services, daily and independent living skills training, community-based leisure activities, pre-vocational training, physical therapy, social skills sraining and specialized services for the aged. They also offer in-home respite care, case management, vocational and community employment services, transportation services and residential services. For more information, call (800) 344-2331.

Developmental Services Center (DSC) is a non-profit organization working to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing services and supports which enable them to live, work, learn, and participate in their communities. DSC serves individuals who may have epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, mental retardation, or other disabling conditions. Services include, case management, family support, developmental (skills) training, clinical services, vocational services and residential services. For more information, call (217) 356-9176 ext. 202.

Indiana

Comprehensive Development Centers, Inc. (CDC) is a non-profit organization located in Monticello, Indiana. Services include early intervention (infants to 3 years old), preschool special education, community-based work evaluation, transitional vocational training, supported employment and job placement services, personal, social and community services, and daily living skills training. For more information about these and other services, call (219) 866-3282.

Iowa

Opportunity Village, a non-profit organization based in Clear Lake, Iowa, serves people with a wide variety of disabilities. With a focus on "person-centered" planning, the Village offers residential services, including community living, in-home support in private homes and support in independent living. They also offer vocational services to help an individual identify his or her job interests, assess skills, learn new jobs and find meaningful work. For more information, call (641) 357-5277 or e-mailinformation@oppvill.org.

Kansas

The Whole Person Inc. is a private, nonresidential, non-profit corporation providing Independent Living Services to residents of the states of Kansas and Missouri. Services include individual and community advocacy, information and referral, independent living skills training, benefits counseling, peer counseling, personal assistance services and more. For more information, call (913) 393-9805 or visit their offices at 1312 E. Park St., Suite B in Olathe, Kansas.

Massachusetts

CLASS Inc. (Citizens League for Adult Special Services) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities by providing services that promote personal choice, growth and full participation in their communities. Services include assistive technology assessment, resource information and referral, clinical and case management support, transportation services and employment services including job placement, on the job training, vocational evaluation, job search assistance, structured training environments and specialized clinical supports. For more information, call (978) 975-8587.

Easter Seals Massachusetts has a mission to "help children and adults with disabilities expand their independence." They offer job training, which includes, vocational evaluation, career skills training, computer training, and job support services. Additional services and programs offered include information and referral, an equipment loan closet, assistive technology trial. They also offer recreational opportunities including a camp and adaptive swim classes. For more information about these services and more, call the state headquarters at (800) 922-8290 or visit their website.

South Shore Educational Collaborative is a non-profit multipurpose educational collaborative within the Massachusetts South Shore school district. They offer several programs designed to develop skills among individuals with profound disabilities. The Community Program serves severely multi-handicapped students aged 3 to 22. The program emphasizes the development of daily living and communication skills, as well as social and emotional development. The program also offers recreational and leisure activities as well as pre-vocational, pre-academic and academic training. An additional program is the Community Adult Program, which serves individuals over the age of 22 with profound developmental delays and significant medical needs. This program emphasizes the development of functional skills, community awareness, vocational preparation, socialization and therapeutic intervention. The program also receives weekly consultation services from speech, occupational and physical therapists. For more information about these and many other programs, call (781) 749-7518.

Student Independent Living Experience (SILE) provides an array of transitional living services and programs for adolescents and young adults (up to age 22) with primarily physical disabilities. Through a "learn by doing" approach, the students develop independent living and transitional living skills such as cooking, safety, homemaking, community mobility and personal care management. We provide participants with the real life obstacles, situations, and personal gratifications that come with living independently. For more information, please call (781) 830-8724 or e-mail Bryan.Drake@umassmed.edu.

VinFen is a private, non-profit human services organization that provides a wide array of programs and facilities to help people with disabilities live independently. Independent Living Services include day habilitation, arts-based rehabilitation, pre-vocational training, and supported employment, support groups for those with mental illness and many other services. For more information, call 1-(877) 284-6336.

Michigan

Arenac Opportunities, Inc. (AOI) is a non-profit community rehabilitation organization located in Standish, Michigan. AOI provides a variety of services to disabled residents of Arenac County. Such services include vocational rehabilitation, job placement, independent living skills training, transportation, housing and recreational activities. For more information, call (517) 846-4441.

Social Resources, Inc. (S.R.I.) is a non-profit agency serving adults with disabilities residing in Michigan. Services include vocational training, job placement and supported employment, skills training in a wide variety of areas, recreational activities and transportation. S.R.I. also offers four community based Adult Foster Care residences. For more information, call (586) 677-3631 (North Macomb S.R.I.), (586) 285-1967 (South Macomb S.R.I.) or e-mail socialresources@hotmail.com.

Minnesota

BLIND,Incorporated is a training center located in Minneapolis, Minnesota that focuses on making adjustments to blindness. They teach the skills that people who are blind need to become independent and employable such as Braille, home management, the use of a white cane, computer and assistive technology, and much more. They offer programs for children, teens, adults and senior citizens. For more information, call (612) 872-0100 or e-mail info@blindinc.org.

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute provides rehabilitation services for people with short- and log-term conditions, injuries and disabilities. Facilities are located in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The Institute's unique combination of rehabilitation, support and lifestyle services address the needs of the whole person. Their website also offers many links to helpful disability resources. For more information, call (763) 520-0520.

Missouri

Paraquad is a private, non-profit, accredited agency that provides continuing education for adults with developmental disabilities residing in St. Louis County, Missouri. The class structure is aimed at increasing independent living skills. Basic skills classes such as Math and Money Management, Home and Personal Management, Reading, and Computer Skills are offered each semester. The classes are designed to teach students how to live in the community, find a job, stay healthy and make new friends. There is a $40 fee for each class. However, if you are unable to pay the $40, you may qualify for financial aid. For enrollment information, call (314) 289-4200 or e-mailcontactus@paraquad.org..

The Whole Person Inc. is a private, nonresidential, non-profit corporation providing Independent Living Services to residents of the states of Kansas and Missouri. Services include individual and community advocacy, information and referral, independent living skills training, benefits counseling, peer counseling, personal assistance services and more. For more information, call (800) 878-3037 (Toll Free) or visit their offices at 301 East Armour, Blvd. Suite 430 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Nevada

Nevada Association for the Handicapped is a non-profit organization located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The four core services the center offers include individual and system change advocacy, peer counseling and support groups, information and referral, and independent living skills training. To find out about additional programs and services call (702) 870-7050 or write to 6200 West Oakey Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada 89102.

New Jersey

Mentor New Jersey, a fee-based service provider, offers community-based options to adults and children with development disabilities, emotional and behavioral challenges and individuals with acquired brain injuries. Their services emphasize participation in everyday activities as the key to providing the best opportunities for learning and growing. Through regular community involvement, individuals build their adaptive living skills and develop natural, social and support networks made up of both disabled and non-disabled persons. For more information, call (800) 374-0071.

New York

Center for Career Freedom offers individuals with psychiatric disability an array of programs and services designed to assist in the recovery process at the pace desired. Programs include planning at psychiatric hospitals, a Drop-in Center offering arts and crafts, music, meals, clothing, a food pantry, discussion groups, outings, web surfing, desktop publishing, newsletters, a Certified MS/Office User Training Program, a computer repair shop, vocational counseling and job development leading to competitive employment. All of the center's Board and staff are survivors of a psychiatric disability. For more information, call (914) 288-9763.

East End Disability Associates is a non-profit organization serving adults with developmental disabilities. Their Day Habilitation Program, provides skills training, recreational, and volunteer opportunities in the community. Individuals, with input from family and service coordinators, plan and develop their own programmatic and life enhancing goals. For more information, call (631) 369-7345 or e-mail info@eed-a.org.

People Inc. offers a wide variety of programs and services to people of all ages with disabilities. Programs include day services, employment and training services, family support and respite services, health care services, residential services, children's services, and senior services. They also offer information and referral services and outreach services, which are designed to teach children and adults about people with disabilities, acceptance of differences and the prevention of unintentional injuries. For more information, call (888) 773-6753.

Oregon

Oregon Commission for the Blind offers an Independent Living Program, providing legally blind individuals with daily living skills training, counseling, personal management training, adaptive materials as well with assistance in increasing functional vision, orientation and mobility. They also offer vocational training, utilizing their Career Center and Technology Center. Their website also features a listing of all Independent Living Centers in the state as well as a helpful resource guide. For more information, call (888) 202-5463.

Texas

Stemark Associates is a support, service and advocacy group dedicated to helping those with a disabling condition, and their caregivers, to overcome obstacles in their course of daily life. Services include estate and financial planning, service coordination and more. For more information, call (281) 364-7211 or e-mail scr@stemark.com.

Washington

Banchero Friends Services, a non-profit organization located in Shoreline, Washington, serves adults with developmental disabilities. In addition to offering 24-hour support services in two homes, they also offer a relationship building course. The course focuses the fundamentals of building both friendly and romantic relationships. It also covers communication improvement, safety awareness, sexual assault prevention, the practice of safe sex and other topics. For more information, call (206) 367-7795.

Wisconsin

ASPIRO has a mission to ensure opportunities, development, and well being for all citizens with developmental disabilities. They offer several services including advocacy, daily living skills training, early intervention, family support and respite, parent support groups, supported employment as well as a grouping of Ancillary Services which include case management and address nutritious meals, community adaptation, personal needs and the overall quality of life. For more information, call (920) 498-2599.

New Sign Bell Therapy a subsidary of Phoenix Care Systems, Inc. cares for children, adults and families living with behavioral, developmental and social challenges through program models designed to achieve maximum potential. Residential Services offers a variety of residential services for men and women. Each facility provide a home-like environment to enhance individual skills neeeded to achieve greater indepencence Licensed Community Based Residential Facilities - Serious & Persistent Mental Illness Licensed Community Based Residential Facilities - Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Licensed Adult Family Homes - Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Belwood Respite Home is an alternative to psychiatric inpatient hospitalization that expans the continuum of services, intervention and support of individuals in crisis to stabilize and quickly return them to their normal rhythm of daily activities. Licensed Crisis Respite - Serious & Persistent Mental Illness Licensed Crisis Respite - Developmentally Disabled Day Treatment & Vocational Services Medical Day Treatment - Serious & Persistent Mental Illness Work & Day Services - Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Community Services Licensed Community Support Programs - Mental Illness Horizons Program (Daily Living Skills and Supported Independent Living) - Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Outpatient Clinics Transportation Services Medical Transport Consultation & Training Services Bell Therapy, Inc., 5151 West Silver Spring Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53218, Phone: (414) 527-6940, or Fax: (414) 527-6971

Curative Care Network provides a number of services for adults with disabilities throughout Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Such services include day services, assisting in the development of social and community living skills; vocational services, providing vocational evaluation, assessment, training, and consultation; community employment services, assisting persons seeking employment to choose, obtain, and retain integrated employment in the community or in their own businesses; and supported living services, providing training, support, and supervision to maximize independence. For more information about these services and others, call (414) 257-4057.

Independent Living Program is sponsored by Broadscope Disability Services (formerly United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Southeastern Wisconsin). This Independent Living Program (ILP) offers assistance to individuals with cerebral palsy or other developmental disabilities achieve more independent lives. The program is based on individual need and can include intensive support to obtain information on the essential components that make independent living possible. The program provides residential options including housing and attendant care; operates apartment programs in the county; offers community support services such as follow-along (follow-up) for adults living in their own apartments; includes independent living skills training, advocacy and counseling, self direction, budgeting, arranging transportation and identifying financial resources, participation in employment/day services/meaningful activity and other independent living skills. ILP staff work within the community, as consultants to consumers, their families and various community groups to solve problems and increase awareness regarding independent living. For more information, call (414) 329-4500 (Voice) or (414) 329-4511 (TTY).

The Kenosha Achievement Center, Inc. (KAC) provides both adult and early childhood services. Adult Services are designed to assist persons in accomplishing vocational and social independence. Early Childhood Services are designed to help parents and caregivers be their child's first and best teacher. Adult programs include supported employment and training. Childhood programs include the Early Intervention Program, which offers service coordination, special education, as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapies for children with developmental disabilities ages birth to three years. For more information, call (262) 658-9500 or e-mail info@thekac.com.

Milwaukee Center for Independent Living (MCFI) is a non-profit, community-based rehabilitation facility, serving residents of Milwaukee County. Some of the many programs offered include; Adult Day Services, Employment Services, the Work Opportunity Resource Center, Mental Health Services, Community Living Program, and the Office of Family Resources. All of the programs are designed to assist individuals with disabilities learn to live and work independently within the community. For more information, visit their website or call (414) 272-1344 (Voice) or (414) 272-9200 (TTY).

Riverfront, serving Mondovi, La Crosse, and Black River Falls, Wisconsin, offers a variety of skills training and support services to people with developmental disabilities. Training, which can take place in the community or the homes of people with disabilities, covers such issues as menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, budgeting, money management, mobility, and self-advocacy. Support services may include, health maintenance, household management, developing relationships and making friends, identifying community activities and much more. For more information, call (608) 784-9450 (La Crosse), (608) 269-8263 (Mondovi), or (715) 284-2546 (Black River Falls).

Wyoming

Wyoming Independent Living Rehabilitation is located in Casper, Wyoming. Services include information and referral, skills training, home modification, adaptive equipment, loan closets, cross-disability peer counseling, advocacy and more. To obtain more details, call them at 1-800-735-8322 or please visit their website.

Country Listings

Australia

Spectrum is a non-profit organization assisting Australian residents with disabilities. They offer specialized programs in the areas of life and work skills, counseling and recreation. Spectrum uses recreation and sport to address issues such as teamwork, self esteem, coordination, motor skills, general fitness and strength. Counseling services are aimed at assisting individuals in their pursuit of emotional and mental growth and comfort. Spectrum's training courses are specifically designed and adaptable to meet the needs of individuals in the area of day-to-day living, employment and independent living. All courses are nationally accredited. For more information, call +61 7 3205 7664 or e-mail manager@spectrum.org.au.

Canada

Ottawa Independent Living Center provides community services and support to persons with physical disabilities and their families and service providers. More specifically, they can help with accessing information, advocacy, crisis intervention customized education and awareness training, individual support and, referrals to other resources. For more information, contact their Ottawa, Ontario office at (613) 236-2558.

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