Independent Living

Independent Living Centers

Introduction

WHAT IS "INDEPENDENT LIVING?"

The goal of independent living is to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential within their families and communities. After a brain injury many individuals require assistance with various aspects of daily living that they may have done with ease before they were injured. These might include such basic living skills as: money management, finding and paying for housing, especially "accessible” housing, in-home assistance, transportation, working, qualifying for benefits such as Medicaid and other aspects of life.

WHAT ARE INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS?

Independent Living Centers are typically non-residential, private, non-profit, consumer-controlled, community-based organizations providing services and advocacy by and for persons with all types of disabilities. Their goal is to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential within their families and communities.

Information in this section helps Washington residents with disabilities obtain the services they need to live independently and to succeed at school, at work, at play and in the community.
For more information on traumatic brain injury, please contact your doctor or refer to the TBI Toolkit, produced by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/Library/tbitoolkit.pdf

INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS:

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) - Independent Living Program
Phone: Toll-free 1-800-637-5627 Voice/TTY
Web site:  http://www.dshs.wa.gov/dvr/
Description: The Independent Living (IL) Program helps people with severe disabilities become more involved in family and community life. The Independent Living Program is designed for people with disabilities who want to increase their independence. The program may assist with attendant care management, counseling and advocacy, living arrangements, skill training, and services to the customer's family.
Areas Served: Western Washington
Eligibility: Washington state residents
How to apply: Call for services
Fees: Free information and referrals

Center for Independence
10828 Gravelly Lake Dr., Suite 112 - Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone: (253) 582-1253; Toll-free: 1-800-724-8172; Fax: 253-584-4374
Web: http://www.centerforindependence.org
Email: connect@centerforindependence.org
Description: Provides resources and services for individuals with disabilities to more fully access and participate in the community through outreach, advocacy and skills development. Also provides TBI Support group.
Areas Served: Pierce County, South King County and Thurston County
Eligibility: Individuals with disabilities and their families
How to apply: Call for services

Disability Resource Connection
607 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite 6C - Everett, WA 98208
Phone: (425) 347-5768: V/TTY – (800) 315-3583: Toll-free - (425) 710-0767: Fax
Web: http://www.drconline.net
Email: drcservices@drconline.net
Description: Provides information, resources and services for individuals with disabilities to more fully access and participate in the community through outreach, advocacy and skills development. Services include computer and literacy training.
Areas Served: Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom Counties
Eligibility: Call for updated information
How to apply: Call for services
Fees: Most services provided free of charge

Disability Resources of SWWA
2700 NE Andresen Rd., Suite D5 – Vancouver, WA 98663
Phones: (360) 694-6790; Toll-free: (800) 735-2900; Fax/TTY: 360-882-1324
Web: http://www.darsw.com
Email: disabilityresources@darsw.com 
Area Served: Vancouver and Kelso
Description: Provides independent living resources and services for individuals with disabilities to more fully access and participate in the community through outreach, advocacy and skills development.

The Alliance of People With Disabilities
4649 Sunnyside N, Suite 100 - Seattle, WA 98133
Phones: (206) 545-7055 -- (206) 632-3456 TTY -- 206-545-7059 FAX
Web: http://www.disabilitypride.org 
Email: info@disabilitypride.org 
Description: Provides resources and services for individuals with disabilities to more fully access and participate in the community through outreach, advocacy and skills development. Areas Served: King County
Eligibility: Call for updated information
How to apply: Call for services

Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities (TACID)
6315 South 19th ST - Tacoma, WA 98466-6217
Phones: (253) 565-9000 EXT 14 -- (253) 565-5445: TTY -- 253-565-5578 Fax
Web: http://www.tacid.org
Email: Chris.E@Tacid.Org
Area Served: Pierce County, South King County and Thurston County
Description: Provides information and referral on affordable housing and/or accessible housing in
Pierce County. Also provides career consultation and homeless crisis case management.
Areas Served: Tacoma, Lakewood and Pierce County
Eligibility: Serve all people with disabilities
How to apply: Call for services
Areas Served: Southwest Washington, Clark County
Eligibility: Call for updated information
How to apply: Call for services

State Independent Living Council
PO Box 45343 - Olympia, WA 98504-5343
Phone: 1-800-624-4105 V/TTY; 360-725-3692  
Website: http://www.wasilc.org     
Email: honanrw@dshs.wa.gov 
Description: The Governor-appointed State Independent Living Council (SILC) functions in accordance with Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act. The Council jointly develops and submits a State Plan for Independent Living in conjunction with the general vocational rehabilitation program. The Council provides advocacy, education, and leadership to guide the development of and promote access to independent living services and centers for independent living statewide. It also increases opportunities for self-determination and creates awareness of people with disabilities as a valuable human resource.
Areas Served: Washington state
Eligibility: Public
How to apply: Call for services

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) - Services for Job Seekers
Phone: Toll-free 1-800-754-5960 Voice/TTY
Web site: http://www.dshs.gov/dvr
Description: Services for job seekers in Washington state including a self-directed job search with online activities and support services.
Areas Served: Statewide
Eligibility: Public
How to apply: Call for services
Fees: Most services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance