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Independent Living Services

For any age that has any type of disability.

An Independent Living Center works with families and individuals of any age with disabilities of any type. Society's Assets is one of eight Independent Living Centers in Wisconsin. Centers offer five core services, and often others as well. The five core services are Independent Living Skills Training, Individual and Systems Advocacy, Information and Referral, Peer Support, and Transition.  Our goal is to offer a variety of services that can meet an individual's needs.

Peer Support Group

Revital Eyes meets each month in person or by calling in. Participants gain insight into living with a visual impairment. Resources are provided, and a feeling of empowerment is a goal. A Kenosha-based group meets on the second Thursday of every month from 1:30 - 3:00 pm. Tami Frentzel is the group contact. Call (262) 925-6097 or email tfrentzel@societysassets.org

ADA Education and Assessment

Responding to the community's needs, we offer training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Staff also perform compliance assessments and provide technical assistance regarding this and other disability rights laws.

Loan Library for Assistive TechnologyAssistive Technology, like this picture phone, can increase independence.

A variety of devices can increase function for people with limited mobility, hearing, or vision. Adapted equipment includes telephones, memory aids, talking products, magnifiers, and mobility aids. We have over 1,000 items available for demonstration and loan from the Try-Out Program. This program is partially supported by WisTech, Wisconsin's State Assistive Technology Program. Staff provide assistance with identifying the most effective technology and locating options to pay for it. Availability will be affected by safety protocols due to the pandemic.

Benefits Counseling

Staff assist people with disabilities in securing or retaining financial and medical benefits. Guidance with application procedures and eligibility requirements is also available. A comprehensive benefit analysis will determine the effect that income from employment will have on continued eligibility. Veterans with disabilities may learn of additional resources and benefits.

Bill Paying Assistance

We offer assistance with managing the bills, checkbook, and mail for individuals that are no longer efficient or confident in doing it for themselves. Staff are bonded, insured and authorized "Fee-For-Service Organizational Representative Payees" for the Social Security Administration and Veterans Benefits.

Disability Awareness Programs

Staff and volunteers are available to speak to organizations, groups and schools about understanding and interacting with people with disabilities.

Housing and Home Modifications

Housing and Home Modifications - Accessible CabinetsWe assist people with locating accessible, affordable housing. Information about home modifications, low interest loans for accessibility projects, and the concept of "aging in place" are available. Transition services help individuals move from a nursing home to their own homes.

Independent Living Skills Training

After assessing an individual's needs, staff teach money management, pre-vocational skills, utilizing transportation and other community resources, housekeeping, communication, self-advocacy, and socialization.

Individual and Systems Advocacy

We help people with disabilities learn to advocate for themselves. The support engaging in activities designed to affect positive change in local, state, and federal systems affecting people with disabilities.

Information and Referral

As a resource for information about any topic related to living with a disability, we assists individuals with disabilities, families, employers, and the community. An Information Series, containing flyers and booklets with helpful information, is also available. Here are some of the topics - click on the underlined heading below and the information sheet will open.

Peer Support

We help match staff and trained volunteers who have personally experienced a disability that are able to provide support, encouragement, and guidance.

Student Support

Students with disabilities can count on us to be an active member of their IEP (Individualized Education Program) and Transition teams. Staff are a resource for students planning for life after high school. They provide information, advocacy, guidance for technology needs, and referrals to link students with community-based services when requested and appropriate. Supportive and personal care services may be offered by our caregivers in a dorm or other college setting, i.e. at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. www.uww.edu/csd/ Society's Assets also presents annual Scholarship Awards to students with disabilities enrolled full-time in college or vocational school. Contact us for the current scholarship application.

Transition from Nursing Home

Staff assist individuals living in a nursing home that want to return to their homes in the community. They coordinate services, review the home environment for necessary modifications, recommend adaptive equipment, and advocate as needed.

Transportation Information

Society's Assets assists people with locating specialized transportation services, vehicle modifications such as ramps and lifts, and adaptive aids.

Keep in touch with your Legislators

Click on this link www.legis.wisconsin.gov

Select " Who Are My Legislators?" and enter your home address to find your legislators.

 

For Assistance: contact one of our three offices listed below. 

Professional Affiliations

Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers  https://ilcwis.org

This group of eight Independent Living Centers uses home and community-based programs to assist people of any age with all types of disabilities to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on long term government supports. A center supports residents of all 72 counties in Wisconsin. Click here for the state map with centers listed.
 

Additional Resources

Jefferson County Aging and Disability Resource Center  www.jeffersoncountywi.gov

The Aging and Disability Resource Center is here to provide information and assistance on a wide variety of topics. 
 

Kenosha County Aging and Disability Resource Center  www.kenoshacounty.org

When questions arise about aging and disabilities, this website is a good place to start gathering information and determining program requirements for qualifications.
 

Racine County Aging and Disability Resource Center  www.adrc.racinecounty.com

Find the information you need to access resources and services for older adults and people with disabilities.
 

Rock County Aging and Disability Resource Center  www.co.rock.wi.us/adrc

The Center provides information about resources and support on all aspects of life related to aging or living with a disability.
 

Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center  www.co.walworth.wi.us

Find the information you need to access community resources and services for older adults and adults with disabilities.