Independent Living

Are You A Person With a Disability Who Wants To Be More Independent?

• Do you ask yourself questions like these?
• How do I find someone to assist me with my personal care, homemaking activities or mobility?
• Where can I find an affordable apartment that is wheelchair accessible?
• What should I do with the paperwork that must be completed in order to get the services I need?
• Who can help find the services I need to move to my own place?
• How do I take charge of my life?

There may be help for you. . .

What is Independent Living?

People with disabilities have a right to fully participate in society. The Independent Living (IL) Program helps people with severe disabilities become more involved in family and community life. The Independent Living Program is designed for people with disabilities who want to increase their independence. The program may assist with attendant care management, counseling and advocacy, living arrangements, skill training, and services to the customer’s family.

What Are Some Of The Types Of IL Program Services?
Services are based on the customer’s unique needs. An IL Counselor works with each participant to develop a written plan specifying the services to be provided.

These services may include:

• Advocacy educating the participant about benefit rights; supporting the participant who’s having problems with benefit programs; helping the participant identify and coordinate support services needed to live independently.
• IL Skill Training teaching the participant skills such as budgeting, meal preparation, nutrition, shopping, health, hygiene, time management, recreation, etc.
• Attendant Care assisting to recruit attendants and chore workers; teaching attendant management skills; advocating with the participant for home service assistance.
• Living Arrangements identifying available housing options for persons with severe disabilities; counseling the participant on decision-making and transition to a more independent situation; providing information about programs and/or resources for locating and securing housing.
• Assistive Technology helping the participant to explore and obtain assistive technology.
• Counseling helping participants find appropriate counseling resources; assisting participants to identify goals and options; developing a peer support network.
• Family Services assisting members of the customer’s family to resolve issues related to disability and independence.

Who May Benefit?

Any individual who:

• has a severe physical or mental disability which interferes with their ability to function independently in their family or community.
• has a reasonable expectation that IL services will help improve their ability to function independently in their family or community.
• is not eligible for another, more appropriate program.

Program Access:

This program is accessible to people with all types of disabilities. Braille, large print and audio tape versions of printed material can be provided upon request. Interpreter services can be provided with advance notice.

To enhance a customer’s ability to make well-informed decisions about their future.

To increase opportunities that enable full participation in family and community life. Unlike the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s vocational program, an employment goal is not a requirement for the Independent Living Program.

Non-Discrimination:

No person, because of race, color, national origin,creed, religion, sex, age, or disability, shall be discriminated against in employment, services or any aspect of the programs’ activities

How Do I Make Referrals?

In Region 1 residents of Spokane, Whitman, Adams, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, and Grant Counties are eligible to apply.

Spokane (509) 533-2306 Voice/TTY
Colville (509) 684-7335 Voice/TTY
Moses Lake (509) 766-2223 Voice/TTY
Wenatchee (509) 662-0439 Voice/TTY
Pullman (509) 332-7752 Voice/TTY
Or toll-free in Region 1 at 1-800-548-0941 Voice/TTY

In Region 2 residents of Kittitas, Yakima, Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, and Asotin Counties are eligible to apply.

Yakima (509) 575-2172 Voice or (509) 575-2164 VOICE/TTY
Wapato (509) 865-5322 Voice/TTY
Kennewick (509) 734-7383 Voice/TTY
Walla Walla (509) 527-4502 Voice/TTY
Or toll-free in Region 2 at 1-800-548-8755 Voice/TTY

In Region 3 residents of San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom, and Island Counties are eligible to apply.

Everett (425) 339-4880 Voice or (425) 339-4882 TTY
Mount Vernon (360) 416-3515 Voice or (360) 416-3546 TTY
Bellingham (360) 714-4136 Voice or (360) 714-4009 TTY
Or toll-free in Region 3 at 1-800-754-5960 Voice/TTY

This program is accessible to people with all types of disabilities. Braille, large print and audio tape versions of printed material can be provided upon request. Interpreter services can be provided with advance notice. No person, because of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, age, or disability, shall be discriminated against in employment, services or any aspect of the program’s activities.

Contact the DVR office nearest you and ask for an Independent Living Counselor.