West-Central Independent Living Solutions, WILS

"Where there's a WILS, there's a way."

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Serving: Johnson, Pettis, Henry, Benton, Lafayette and Saline Counties of Missouri.

Philosophy

Independent living is based on three guiding principles: Choice, Control and Change.

  • Choice - Many people with disabilities may not be aware of options that allow them to live independently.  WILS works with individuals and groups to access community resources available to promote living independent lives.
  • Control - Living independently also means having control over your own life.  Whether it concerns living arrangements, employment possibilities, health-care opportunities or transportation options, control is a hallmark of independent living.  Fifty-one (51) percent of WILS' board of directors , staff, and volunteers are people with disabilities.
  • Change - The independent living movement was started in part because people with disabilities were constrained by societal barriers.  WILS works with consumers to break down barriers so that the entire community benefits.  Education and advocacy are the tools for change.

SERVICES PROVIDED

Information and Referral - WILS has access to an almost unlimited supply of information and services geared toward promoting independent living.  Once presented with a request or inquiry, it will take just a matter of time before our staff will be able to provide the service requested or a referral to the appropriate agency, professional or provider.

Advocacy - WILS works with consumers to advocate on their own behalves.  We also work with local, state, and federal legislators to get favorable legislation for people with disabilities.  Individual and systems advocacy are essential to progressive change.

Peer Support - WILS works with consumers and their families individually and through facilitation of support groups.  More than fifty-one (51) percent of WILS' staff, board and volunteers are comprised of people with disabilities which provides us the experience and expertise to assist other people with disabilities.

Independent Living Skills Training - Many individuals with disabilities do not have the skills to live independently.  WILS provides specific courses, individually and in groups to hone these skills.

Consumer Directed Services Program (CDS) - This is a Medicaid based program which provides personal care attendant (PCA) services to individuals with disabilities; enabling them to live independently.  Individuals on the CDS Program are trained to hire their own attendants to assist them with daily tasks such as: Bathing/Showering; Toileting; Obtaining/Organizing Medication; Meal Preparation/Cleanup; Housekeeping/Laundry; Essential Transportation.  This program is a consumer controlled model.  Consumer control means that the person with a disability receiving services is the employer of the attendant.  As the employer, they are responsible for locating, hiring, setting work schedules and managing their own attendants.

Transportation - WILS has a wheelchair accessible van for consumers to use for a small fee.  The van is available on a first come first serve basis for anyone with a disability.  It can be used for any variety of needs such as doctor appointments, shopping, visiting family or simply taking a trip to look at the fall leaves.

Assistive Technology (AT) - WILS offers a wide variety of  AT options.  Most of these alternatives are available for free, but certain requirements may have to be met prior to getting equipment and services.  Some of the AT options are: Telecommunications Access Program for Telephone (TAP), WILS "loan closet", Wolfner Library for the Blind.

Transition/Youth Services - Transition services are defined by the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) as "a coordinated set of activities for a student....which promotes movement from school to career and adulthood."  WILS Transition planning proves a framework to; connect with the services and supports that you will need while in high school, college and after graduation; focus on  strengths, abilities, and needs; design a plan for what to do after high school, college or leaving home; serve as a resource for consumers and school districts.  

 
 

West-Central Independent Living Solutions, WILS

710 N. College, Suite D

Warrensburg, Missouri 64093

email wils@iland.net

660-422-7883 (voice)

660-422-7894 (TTY)

660-422-7895 (Fax)

1-800-236-5175 (Toll Free)