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Welcome!
The Independent Living Center of Southeast Missouri (ILCSM) is a community-based, nonprofit, nonresidential organization adhering to our philosophy of consumer control.  We are committed to working with individuals with any type of disability, regardless of race,color,national origin, sex, age, or religion.  Our service area is rural and includes the counties of Butler, Carter, Ripley, and Wayne. 
Independent Living Center Staff

 

PROGRAM FACT SHEET

Our independent living skills training can be provided in a class setting or on a one-on-one basis to meet each consumer’s specific needs and skills.

The following is a brief description of each activity sponsored by the Independent Living Center of Southeast Missouri (ILCSM). We develop new activities, programs, and classes as  needed.

INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRAINING

Assertiveness Training:

*      Participants learn what assertiveness actually means 
*      The difference between assertive, aggressive, and passive behavior 
*      How to build self-confidence and self- esteem 

Awareness of personal rights and responsibilities

*      How to say “No” 

*      How to deal with criticism

Computer Training:  

We provide individual training on how to use a computer.

*      Basic computer set-up and access

*      Keyboarding

*      Navigation

*      Letter writing

*      Word processing.

Cooking Class:  

Offered in a group setting and taught by two instructors from University Extension  Services

While sharing hands-on cooking practices, participants learn on-going lessons in such areas as:

*      Proper sanitation

*      Kitchen and food safety

*      Food handling and measurement

*      Label reading

*      The food groups and their importance

*      Proper nutrition and dietary practices

*      Proper use of kitchen utensils and appliances

Money Management Training:  

This training is usually provided on a individual basis to meet the participant’s situation, needs, and skill. We can assist consumers in developing a wide range of money management skills, including:  

*      Money identification and counting

*      Summation and subtraction

*      Developing and managing a personal budget

*      Setting up, maintaining, and balancing bank accounts

Other Independent Living Skills Training, which we can provide to individuals with disabilities include:

*      Self-Advocacy

*      Personal Safety

*      Household Management

*      Basic Reading and Basic Math

*      Communication

PEER SUPPORT 

Peer Support offers individuals the opportunity to network and consult with   other people with disabilities who are experiencing similar situations. The objectives are to:

*      Explore options

*      Develop effective coping methods

*      Share personal experiences

*      Solve problems that sometimes occur as a result of one’s disability

*      The ILCSM offers peer support on an individual basis or in a group setting.

For those individuals who do not feel comfortable in groups, we will match the individual up with an ILCSM staff member or volunteer who has a similar disability and/or experience. Currently, the ILCSM hosts two support groups.

Fibromyalgia/Chronic Pain Syndrome Support Group

Fibromyalgia is a condition where aching muscle pain is accompanied by pain produced when pressure is put on certain body areas. The group discusses such topics as:

*      Symptoms and accompanying conditions

*      Diagnosis

*      Medical and alternative treatments

*      Coping methods

*      Pain management

*      Education of family and friends

The group has a collection of printed material that is available at ILCSM. It meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 2:00 PM and the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM.

SOCIAL/RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Craft Class

Each class is set up with a basic project idea and sufficient supplies.  ILCSM staff and volunteers allow participants to use their own unique abilities, talents, and imaginations to build the personal creations that they desire, while promoting:

*      Socialization

*      Fulfillment

*      Self-esteem

*      Creativity

*      A sense of self worth

*      Some of our past projects are candle making, wreath decorating, and creating collages.

Painting Class

The Painting Class is designed in much the same way as Craft Class, emphasizing the use of paint and color identification.  

Bingo Night

This is a social and recreational activity that is usually held three times a month at ILCSM. Several rounds of Bingo are played and prizes are awarded to the winners. ILCSM provides refreshments and a good time is always had by all.  

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

ILCSM offers expertise on numerous issues relating to assistive technology.      We maintain a library of materials about assistive technology, including information on ADA compliance and accessibility requirements.

RAMP–Renovation and Modification Program  

To qualify for this program a person must have a significant disability and an income that falls below the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

The RAMP fund will be used for the purchase of materials for renovations or items considered to be essential to the independence of the consumer. The money provided to consumers from this fund is a donation/grant. The ILCSM will pay up to 80% of the cost of the item or renovation. The   consumer is responsible for paying at least 20% of the cost.  

The following are examples of such item:

*      Materials for ramps

*      Grab bars

*      Bath chairs and transfer benches

*      Other assistive technology

Equipment Loan Program

ILCSM loans assistive equipment, such as walkers and wheelchairs, to consumers with a temporary need for them. A deposit of $5 is required for items valued at less than $100 and $10 for items valued at more than $100.

Adaptive Telephone Program

ILCSM maintains a display of adaptive telephone equipment for the hearing impaired that consumers may try out in determining which particular technology best suits their needs. We are also the resource for applications for The Missouri Assistive Technology Adaptive Telephone Equipment Program.
It will provide telephones for the hearing impaired. ILCSM staff can assist individuals in filling out the applications and explaining the process for acquiring adaptive telephones through this state-funded program.

Wolfner Library Program

ILCSM is a demo center for the Wolfner Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.  We have demo tapes and a cassette player for consumers to try.  We provide applications forms and can assist individuals in filling them out.  This will allow individuals to start receiving books on tape at their home.  

If you have any questions about any of our programs, please contact our   office 573-686-2333 or 888-890-2333 and ask for one of the following people or e-mail us.

*  Jennifer Barnes, IL Programs Director
E-Mail
ilsm

*      Debbie Hardin, IL Specialist
E-Mail ilsm

*      Tonya Bean, Accessibility Specialist
E-Mail tonyabean@semo.net

*      Joan McMunn, Deaf Specialist
E-mail joanmcmunn@semo.net

 

This site was designed with Frontpage 2002 by Robert D. Barrett and is ©Copyright 2003 by the Independent Living Center of Southeast Missouri.  Site last updated on: September 06, 2003