Supporting independent living Helpful Programs Supporting independent living

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) overview In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Regional Center Independent Living Services Independent Living Centers YO! Disabled and Proud Today we’re going to talk about programs and resources which can help support you as you prepare to transition to living independently. Think about what barriers you might have to face when transitioning to living on your own, and how some of these programs and resources can help you overcome these obstacles.

In-home supportive services Services for individuals with disabilities who need assistance with “activities of daily living” and “domestic services”: Bathing Dressing Using the restroom Preparing meals or feeding Cleaning Driving to doctors appointments Protective supervision

IN Home supportive services You hire “providers” or personal care attendants to assist you, and IHSS pays your provider an hourly wage IHSS keeps a “provider registry” with providers who are looking for work You can also find providers on your own - maybe students at a nearby college, a friend, a family member, or individuals you hire by posting a flyer, or advertising in the local newspaper or on an online bulletin board (such as craigslist)

In home supportive services Eligibility: You must be eligible for Medi-Cal and/or on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) You must need IHSS services in order to remain safely in your own home For more information and to sign-up for IHSS: Call (916) 651-5350 Or visit: http://ca.db101.org/programs.htm

Regional Center Regional Centers provide “Independent Living Services” for individuals with developmental disabilities to live independently Services provided include: Aides to help individuals with developmental disabilities live in their own home Independent Living Skills training to help teach individuals how to live independently For more information, contact your Regional Center case worker.

Independent living centers Independent Living Centers (or ILCs) provide 6 core services to help individuals with disabilities live independently: Housing information referrals Information and Referral to other programs which can support independent living Peer counseling Personal Assistant Services Independent living skills training Individual and Systems Change advocacy Although it sounds like Independent Living Centers are places where people live, ILCs provide information and resources to help people live in the community ILCs are a great one-stop resources for a ton of information and supports – most of which is provided by people with disabilities who have successfully made the transition to independent living!

Independent living centers ILCs also hold Independent Living Skills classes where people living with their families or in institutions learn how to run their everyday lives in preparation for living by themselves You can also learn from peers (individuals with disabilities who are living independently) To find an ILC near you: 916-325-1690 www.cfilc.org

Yo! Disabled and proud Youth Organizing (YO!) Disabled and Proud is all about connecting, organizing, and educating youth with disabilities For more information or to get connected to resources, mentorship, and volunteerism opportunities: (866) 296-9753 www.yodisabledproud.org

Next steps Start planning for how you can make the successful transition to independent living Think about: The supports you need to be independent The programs or services can help you transition to independent living Your goals for living on your own Talk to your parents about your goals and how they can support you in achieving your dreams Check out the Youth Transition Toolkit Website for more planning tools and resources on Independent Living: www.tknlyouth.info/independentliving.html

Ready… Set… GO!!! Now it’s time to start planning! We’re going to use the “setting goals” worksheet to help you figure out a plan for how you can live independently.