Independent living means all disabled people having the same freedom, choice, dignity and control as other citizens at home, at work and in the community. Being independent is a vital skill for people who want to take more control of their lives and feel like they don’t need others to accomplish their goals. Being more independent will give you the freedom to do what you want without caring what others think and it will also lead you to find some original solutions to your problems. Plus, studies show that the more independent a person is, the happier he/she feels! This is because we feel a sense of relief and joy when we can take our lives into our own hands.
WILS provides Independent Living Skills Training as a service as well. Visit the Independent Living Skills Training service page to learn more.
Independent Living Resources
Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN)
The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) is a free resource that helps employers tap the benefits of disability diversity by educating public- and private-sector organizations on ways to build inclusive workplace cultures. EARN offers information and resources to empower individuals and organizations to become leaders in the employment and advancement of people with disabilities.
Email: askearn@cornell.edu
Website: askearn.org
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues. Serving customers across the United States and around the world for more than 35 years, JAN provides free one-on-one practical guidance and technical assistance on job accommodation solutions, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities.
Phone: 800-526-7234
TTY: 877-781-9403
Email: jan@askjan.org
Website: askjan.org
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Help for Independent Living
Website: www.health.mo.gov
Missouri Inclusive Housing Development Corporation
Provides information about safe, accessible, affordable housing in Missouri for those with developmental disabilities
Website: www.mohousing.com
Missouri Protection and Advocacy
This is a federally mandated system in the state of Missouri which provides protection of the rights of persons with disabilities through legally-based advocacy.
Website: www.moadvocacy.org
Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Vocational Rehabilitation works with individuals who have a physical or mental impairment that may cause problems with them finding and keeping a job. VR specializes in employment and training services that can assist people in becoming employed. Once determined to be eligible for services individuals work with a counselor to develop a plan for their rehabilitation.
Website: www.dese.mo.gov
MOCIL
Missouri Centers for Independent Living (MOCIL) is a statewide association dedicated to protecting and advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities. There are 22 Centers in Missouri covering each of Missouri’s 114 counties. Centers are community-based, non-residential, not for profit organizations that are community controlled. Missouri Centers for Independent Living are the original state-certified and leading trusted resource for personal attendant services such as Consumer Directed Services. Through our regional centers in Missouri, we help people with disabilities remain in their own homes by assisting them in finding caregivers who can provide in-home personal care and support with household chores and daily meal preparation.
Website: mocil.org
Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is the only non-regulatory federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities. ODEP's mission is to develop and influence policies and practices that increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. To fulfill this mission, ODEP promotes the adoption and implementation of ODEP policy strategies and effective practices — meaning those that ODEP has developed and/or validated — that will impact the employment of people with disabilities.
Phone: 866-633-7365 or 202-693-7880
Email: odep@dol.gov
Website: dol.gov/odep
State of Missouri Disability Portal
Website: www.disability.mo.gov