The WILS Way Blog: Celebrating Choice, One Story at a Time
Serving Benton, Henry, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis and Saline County, Missouri.
Welcome to The WILS Way Blog, where we share inspiring stories and valuable insights from the people who make WILS so impactful—our consumers. At WILS, we believe that independent living is a choice, and we are dedicated to offering the support, resources, and guidance necessary for you to take control of your life. Whether it’s through assistive technology, community outreach, or advocacy, our blog highlights the journey of those who have embraced their independence and are thriving on their own terms.
Through The WILS Way Blog, you will find firsthand accounts of how people with disabilities are overcoming challenges and achieving their goals, with a focus on empowerment, accessibility, and inclusion. We believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to shape their own future, and we’re proud to be a part of that transformation.
Our stories cover a wide range of topics, from personal triumphs to the latest community initiatives. For more information about the work we do to support independent living, visit our partner organization, MOCIL, to learn about independent living efforts across Missouri.
If you’d like to stay updated on the latest blog posts and news from WILS, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter, where you’ll get firsthand access to updates, events, and more inspiring stories.
Explore The WILS Way Blog today, and discover how independence is not just a goal, but a way of life. Let’s build a future where every person, regardless of ability, has the power to thrive in their community and beyond.
For Hope, independence didn’t happen all at once—it happened one ride, one milestone, and one moment of belief at a time. Hope has been a WILS Transportation Member since December 2023, and during that time she has reached several life-changing achievements. Most recently, Hope was accepted to the University of Central Missouri, where she will …
Assistive technology for vision loss can make a powerful difference in someone’s ability to stay independent, confident, and connected. For Sandra, that difference came down to finding the right magnifier to solve one important daily challenge. Sandra was having difficulty reading the caller ID on her phone, which made it hard to know who was …
Independent Living Support Stories: Hilton’s Halloween Hover Independent living support stories often highlight life-changing moments — and sometimes, those moments happen on Halloween. For Hilton, independent living support meant the opportunity to fully participate in his community, enjoy time with his daughter, and experience the joy of a holiday in a way that felt fun, …
Kendis, a 67-year-old man from Sedalia, lives with COPD and depends on oxygen 24 hours a day. The summer heat and humidity make it hard for him to breathe, and managing daily comfort can be a real challenge. On top of his health struggles, Kendis didn’t have access to a traditional mattress. He had been …
Katheryn, 74, from Sedalia, has always valued her independence. Living with Stage 4 COPD and relying on oxygen, she knew she needed reliable help to stay safe and comfortable in her home. That’s why she chose the Consumer-Directed Services (CDS) care at home program through WILS. With CDS, Katheryn has the freedom to hire her …
Anita, 62, from Sedalia, faces daily challenges living with spinal degeneration. The pain she experiences makes it difficult to cook, clean, or even move around her home most days. Without other sources of assistance, Anita relies entirely on the Consumer-Directed Services (CDS) care at home program through WILS to help her manage daily living and …
After months of hard work and determination, Ed is celebrating a milestone that once felt out of reach—taking steps on his own and transferring without assistive equipment. Since April, Ed has been attending physical therapy three times a week. In the beginning, he was almost entirely dependent on his family. He was confined to his …
West-Central Independent Living Solutions (WILS) is proud to announce that Teri joins the WILS Board of Directors, bringing with her a wealth of experience, deep community roots, and a lifelong commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Teri’s unique blend of professional expertise and personal passion makes her a perfect fit for WILS’ mission and vision.
Malena will attend State Fair Community College to study International Business. She is diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia, which has added unique challenges to her education journey.
