The Independent Living Program Through The NC Division Of Services for

The Independent Living Program Through The NC Division Of Services for the Blind Shannon Kalu Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselor

The Independent Living (IL) Program: Serves eligible Individuals who develop IL goals and create a plan of services and supports to help them achieve their goals. Provides vital resources to help people adjust to vision loss, live independently and safely at home and in the community. Provides comprehensive IL skills instruction. Provides individual and Family Counseling Regarding Vision Loss. Provides Adaptive Devices. Provides Referrals for External and Internal Resources .

The IL Program serves a diverse population and provides training to Consumers of all ages: Young Children and their families. Elementary, Tween and Transition Age Individuals. Adults of any age. Individuals who are born with vision loss or who lose vision later in life. Individuals with Specific Health Needs. Individuals who need intense training in a specific area to be more successful in their home setting.

Training can be offered in, but is not limited to the following areas: Adaptive Kitchen Techniques Adjustment to Vision Loss Assistive Technology Communication Skills Daily Living Skills Classes Health Care Management Housing , Home Modification and Shelter Services Available Information and Resources in the Individual’s area. Leisure Time Activities Low Vision Services Personal Resource Management Services Self-Care Training Techniques of Daily Living Skills Training Transportation information and Skills

Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselors (ILRC): Assess individuals to determine eligibility for the program. Develop a plan of services with the individual to meet the individual’s particular goals and needs. Provide case management and counseling. Can provide training in the individual’s home, in a group setting (Daily Living Skills classes) and/or on location.

Daily Living Skills (DLS) classes are held on location for group IL skills training. Specialized DLS classes have been dveveloped as well and offered in the community. A few classes offered in the recent past: Adaptive Kitchen Techniques Classes Diabetes Education Classes Self Advocacy and Community Resources Classes Technology Classes

Adaptive Kitchen Techniques Classes Training is centered around adaptive kitchen techniques and adaptive equipment. Adaptive Kitchen Techniques Classes can also incorporate: training in the following areas. Communication Skills (Digital Recording and Writing) Leisure skills Labeling Lighting Orientation and Mobility Safety Self Advocacy and Community Resources

Diabetes Education Classes Individuals are provided training that allows them to take a more active role in their own health as well as meet their health needs more independently: to gain access to health information and develop health literacy. learn about nutrition and how to access the information. learn to prepare healthy foods they can enjoy. gain insight about what types of adaptive equipment is available in the medical field for people with diabetes. learn how to advocate for their needs during medical appointments and make informed choices.

Self Advocacy and Community Resources Classes The majority of Individuals in the program are new to vision loss. This class offers insight into the adjustment process and open discussion on a variety of topics related to vision loss: Individuals are given the opportunity to discuss: The Grief Process Loved Ones and Vision Loss How Society Views people who are blind and visually impaired Community Involvement and Vision Loss Transportation and Vision Loss Finances and Vision Loss Individuals meet in small groups to discuss topics.

Technology Classes Training is provided to individuals in the use of various types of technology. iPads , Smart speakers and other technological equipment is purchased through the IL program for individuals. Instruction is provided in a group setting so individuals may learn to use their equipment competently and independently. Individuals often assist each other in these types of classes, which can offer a feeling of camaraderie and achievement.

Classes for Transition Age Consumers: LRCs and Transition Counselors collaborate to facilitate a training class designed to meet the specific needs of high school aged individuals and young adults. These classes often contain Techniques of Daily Living (TDL) skills training as well as vocational components . The adaptive equipment and techniques training is chosen after research is completed by the collaborating Counselors; then a class is created specifically geared towards this age group and their time sensitive needs.

The Independent Living Program is available to Individuals in all 100 counties of North Carolina.