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: Independent Living (IL) Services helps people with severe disabilities become more involved in family and community life. IL is designed for people with disabilities who want to increase their independence and complements vocational services. The program may assist with attendant care management, counseling and advocacy, living arrangements, skill training, and services to the customer’s family.
Areas Served: Washington state
Eligibility: Washington state residents
How to apply: Call for referral to a local office. A list of local offices is found at this link: http://www.dshs.wa.gov/dvr/ContactUs/DVROffices.aspx
Fees: Some DVR services, such as counseling and guidance, are provided at no cost. Other services are offered based on your financial status.

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.
Areas Served: Pierce, Thurston, South King, Mason, Grays Harbor, Kitsap & North Lewis Counties.
Eligibility: Individuals with disabilities
How to apply: Call for services

Disability Resources of SWWA
2700 NE Andresen Rd., Suite D5 – Vancouver, WA  98662
Phones: (360) 694-6790; Fax/TTY: 360-882-1324
Web: http://www.darsw.com
Email: disabilityresources@darsw.com 
Area Served: Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, and Wahkiakim
Description: Empowering individuals with disabilities by creating opportunities, promoting choice, advancing equal access, educating, and furthering independent living.

The Alliance of People With Disabilities
4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Suite 100, Seattle, WA. 98103
Phones: (206) 545-7055 -- (206) 632-3456 TTY -- 206-545-7059 FAX Toll free: 866-545-7055
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: Anyone who self-identifies as having a disability
How to apply: Call for services
Additional Location in East King County
16315 NE 87th St, Suite B-3, Redmond, WA. 98052
Phone: 425-558-0993 Toll Free: 800-216-3335 TTY: 425-861-9588 Fax: 425-558-4773

Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities (TACID)
6315 South 19th ST - Tacoma, WA 98466-6217
Phones: (253) 565-9000 Wrong 1: EXT 14 -- (253) 565-5445: TTY -- 253-565-5578 Fax
Web: http://www.tacid.org
Chris.E@Tacid.Org Email: chrise@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.
Eligibility: Serve all people with disabilities
How to apply: Call for services

State Independent Living Council
PO Box 45343 - Olympia, WA 98504-5343
Phone: 1-800-624-4105 V/TTY
Website: http://www.wasilc.org     
Description:The SILC is an eight-member board appointed by the governor. Its primary purpose is to prepare a State Plan for Independent Living which sets goals and benchmarks for the Centers for Independent Living and the services they provide. It also works to develop additional capacity to serve and advocate for and with individuals with disabilities.
Areas Served: Washington state
Eligibility: Public
How to apply: Call for services

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) - Services for Job Seekers
Phone: Toll-free 1-800-637-5627
Web site: http://www.dshs.wa.gov/dvr/Individuals/Individuals.aspx
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: Some services, like counseling and guidance, are provided at no cost. Other services are offered based on your financial status.
If you receive SSI, SSDI or DSHS public assistance, you are not asked to pay for DVR services.

updated 04/29/2010