Options_for_Independent

Title of Program - Kewaunee County

(Options for Independent Living )

555 Country Club Road

P.O. Box 11967

Green Bay, WI 54307-1967

(920) 490-0500

Toll-Free: 1-888-465-1515 (WI)

TTY:(920) 490-060

Fax: (920) 490-0700

info@optionsil.com

Options for Independent Living, Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to empowering people with disabilities to lead independent and productive lives in their community through advocacy, the provision of information, education, technology and related services.

As part of the independent living philosophy of consumer directed services, Options staff will provide information so consumers can make informed choices and achieve their objectives.

The direction and development of Options is determined by a Board of Directors comprised primarily of individuals with disabilities. Options is committed to hiring staff with disabilities.

List of Services

Contact Person

Eligibility

Options provides the four core services that all 500+ Centers for Independent Living offer nationwide:

Advocacy is a central component of Options. Staff provide training, information and support to promote an individual’s right to full inclusion within his or her community. Options staff encourages and supports individuals to become involved in local, state and federal legislative issues that affect persons with disabilities (systems advocacy.)

Peer Support is available from staff and trained volunteers who have personally experienced a disability and who have attained a substantial degree of independence.

Peer support volunteers can assist an individual to learn how to cope with his or her disability through sharing of real-life experiences.

Information & Referral provides information about community services and resources. Topics ranging from adaptive equipment resources, housing information, funding alternatives, benefits and legal rights issues can be researched and answered.

Independent Living Skills:

Training is provided on a one-to-one basis. Training areas include, but are not limited to, Household management, budgeting, managing a personal care assistant and use of city bus and para-transit systems.

Additional Services Available:

Community Education:

Options provides an array of services to our community including assessment and technical assistance to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, presentations on disability awareness and sensitive communication, and 504 public housing assessments. Staff are involved in various community boards and committees at the state and local level.

Residential Assessment:

A residential Assessment involves a staff person doing an in-depth evaluation of a person with a disability, and his/her residence. Staff will make recommendations to improve the accessibility of the home and/or plan for an addition or new construction.

A written report listing recommended modifications, accessibility products and/or adaptive equipment, and a detailed plan that is sometimes used to obtain cost estimates may be provided to the individual, and if applicable, designated funding sources.

Computer Assessment:

This unique program can create greater independence for persons with disabilities by assessing their computer and related technology needs. Recommendations for computer hardware, software and assistive devices such as voice input, specialized keyboards and software may be recommended.

Options staff can also arrange for computer setup in the individual's home or worksite as appropriate. Additional training for all equipment and software is also available.

Worksite Assessment:

Staff can provide on-site worker's task evaluation and recommendations to provide for more ergonomic, less stressful working conditions. Items such as workstation lighting, work flow, proper seating, proper hand placement for computers and monitors are just some of the items that can be evaluated.

Assistive Technology Assessment:

Assistive Technology is often crucial in assisting an individual with a disability to be independent. Options staff can provide an in-depth assessment of and individual and their technology needs to determine what assistive technology, if any, could play a role in his or her independent living goal.

This assessment could be done in an individual's home or workplace or at Options, where we could utilize all of our available resources. Once the assessment is completed with recommendations, staff may assist in applying for financial assistance to help pay for the technology..

Try-Outs:

Options has equipment available for individuals to try. For a minimal fee the equipment can be borrowed so a user can determine if it will meet their needs before purchasing it.

Try-Out equipment includes items for everyday activities for daily living, people with hearing or visual loss, children with disabilities, recreation and other related activities.

The goal is to assist individuals in finding the most appropriate and cost-effective device that will meet his or her needs.

To reach staff directly,

call (920) 490-8270,

then the extension listed below:

Director
Thomas J. Diedrick

Ext. 111
tomd@optionsil.org

Assistant Director
Kathryn C. Barry

Ext. 183
kittyb@optionsil.org

Accessible Computers Technology
Werner Burkat

Ext. 130
wernerb@optionsil.org

Rehabilitation Technology
Steve La Frombois

Ext. 122
stevel@optionsil.org