Living Independently

Independent Living is a worldwide movement advocating equal opportunities, choices, and respect for persons with disabilities and seniors. Independent Living does not mean isolation or doing everything without help. Rather, it is understanding that people with disabilities are the best experts on their lives and deserve to have their needs met.

Services

Skill building for increasing independence, including budgeting, organization, personal hygiene, communication, household chores, and more.

If we do not provide the service, we share other community resources available to you.

We help individuals move from institutions back into their chosen community. We also help transition youth with disabilities from school into the workforce or additional education.

Professional support, advice and assistance in resolving personal issues specific to a disability.

We partner with other organizations in the community to provide education, training, and resources to assist individuals in obtaining their employment goals.

  • Work Opportunities Reward Kansans: Available to people ages 16 to 64 with a documented disability who need help with everyday tasks while maintaining their job.
  • Pre-Employment Transition Services: Available to youth ages 14 to 21 with a documented disability who are interested in job exploration and career counseling.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation: A program in partnership with the Kansas Department of Children and Families. VR empowers Kansans with disabilities to become gainfully employed and self-sufficient.

The Kansas Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) is free and available to Kansas residents who have trouble hearing, seeing, speaking, remembering, walking, or holding a telephone. Applicants must have an income of less than $55,000 per year and have an existing telephone service.

Applications are available at 3Rivers and the TAP website:

We aid with many services not yet mentioned, such as:

  • Determining accessibility modifications at home or work
  • Helping individuals complete housing or Medicaid applications
  • Providing peer counseling services to individuals seeking support in resolving an issue specific to their disability

We participate in advocacy to remove attitudinal and physical barriers in the community. We also offer training so individuals can successfully advocate for their needs.