Information and referral - PILR answers questions, on a variety of issues, from People with disabilities, family members, service providers, as well as the general public. In depth information can be provided on services and options available to assist people with disabilities to live independently, such as accessible housing, transportation, employment opportunities, personal assistants services, Assistive Technology, and a wide variety of additional topics. In addition, PILR staff are available to provide referrals to other organizations, which might also be of assistance.
Peer counseling - People with disabilities assisting people with disabilities to achieve Independent Living goals. Staff, with disabilities, become roll models, mentors, and advocates for people learning to live with disabilities.
Advocacy - PILR provides two types of advocacy:
Independent Living Skills - Individualized skills training to enhance independent living in the community in a number of areas.
PILR provides Independent Living skills training to people with all types of disabilities to assist them in managing their own lives and live more independently. Training includes use of public transportation, budgeting, cooking, comparison-shopping, and many other areas of daily living.
Individual and Systems Advocacy - Working towards systems change that supports the full inclusion of people with disabilities.
PILR provides two types of advocacy: Individual advocacy focuses on the individual with a disability and services available within the community to assist them in living independently and to advocate for themselves. Systems change advocacy involves working together to eliminate barriers and make it possible for people with disabilities to fully participate in their community.
Deinstitutionalization
Deinstitutionalization assists people with disabilities to move out of nursing facilities and other institutions into his or her own home. PILR works with consumers and others to establish informal and formal supports that are needed to aid him/her in community based living. PILR also works with consumers to establish services needed to divert them from ever being forced into institutional life. This service supports the Independent Living Philosophy which states that all people have the right to live, work, and play in the home and community of our choice.
Working with and for individuals with disabilities as they find their own voice.
PILR provides community-wide services in several areas:
Employment Services
PILR assists job seekers with disabilities to achieve their vocational goals. This is a cooperative effort between the job seeker, his/her vocational rehabilitation counselor, and PILR's employment specialist. These services can include teaching interviewing skills, writing resumes, job search, job development, obtaining, entering, and maintaining competitive employment. Other employment services can include intensive support services, community based work assessments, and computer training.
PILR embraces and promotes the belief that every individual should have the opportunity and support needed to live and work as independently as possible. PILR works in cooperation with Kansas Rehabilitation Services to assist qualified individuals with disabilities to obtain, enter, and maintain employment. Intensive Job development, placement, and follow-up services are provided. This might involve resume/cover letter writing, learning interviewing skills, job seeking skills, follow up after consumer has applied with an employer, individualized Job development/meeting potential employers, or follow up with the employee or employer after entering employment.
Coordinating services through the HCBS/Physical Disability and HCBS/Traumatic Brain Injury waivers
The Voice of PILR, our quarterly newsletter, can be found online or by mail - alternative formats available
www.pilr org ¦ | info@pilr.org ¦ | 17 South Main Street Hutchinson, KS 67501 