1. “Opening Doors to Opportunities” Endependence Center Inc. 6300 E. Virginia Beach Blvd Norfolk, VA 23502 757-461-8007

2. Endependence Center Inc. Non-residentialNon-residential Community-basedCommunity-based Center for Independent LivingCenter for Independent Living Directed by and for people with disabilitiesDirected by and for people with disabilities

3. What is Independent Living? Self-DeterminationSelf-Determination –The right to choose: A LifestyleA Lifestyle An EducationAn Education A CareerA Career A HomeA Home Just like everyone else…

4. Participant Services Peer Mentoring Peer NetworkPeer Network Independent Living Skills TrainingIndependent Living Skills Training

5. Peer Mentoring Based on the belief that a mentor with shared experiences is the best guide to independence:Based on the belief that a mentor with shared experiences is the best guide to independence: –Provides motivation as a role model –Assists with self-exploration –Provides information on community resources –Advocates and promotes community change

6. Peer Network Provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to explore common issues and share strategies for success:Provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to explore common issues and share strategies for success: –Peer Support Groups

7. Community Services Systems AdvocacySystems Advocacy Individual AdvocacyIndividual Advocacy Information and ReferralInformation and Referral Community EducationCommunity Education Technical AssistanceTechnical Assistance Housing Referral and ResourcesHousing Referral and Resources Assistive Technology DemonstrationAssistive Technology Demonstration

8. Independent Living Skills Training Participants determine training programs to gain individual skills and foster community involvementParticipants determine training programs to gain individual skills and foster community involvement –Disability Rights –Self-Advocacy/ Housing Options –Transportation Options –Budgeting –Recreation options

9. Working towards Independent Living Individual plan is developed for each participant Self assessment of strengths and needsSelf assessment of strengths and needs Identifying and defining challengesIdentifying and defining challenges Establishing goals and planning for the futureEstablishing goals and planning for the future Understanding choicesUnderstanding choices

10. Hooking up with ECI Referrals PhonePhone Walk insWalk ins CorrespondenceCorrespondence –Letters –Emails –Faxes Where do referrals come from? Other agencies Schools Families Disability organizations Advocacy outreach www.endependence.org

11. Timeliness of Referrals Early ReviewReview PreparePrepare Better understandingBetter understanding More team members availableMore team members available Achieve desired resultsAchieve desired results Not so early Limited assistance Not enough information Lack of resources and supports Outcome may not be the best possible

12. For more information contact: The Endependence Center 757-461-8007www.endependence.org