Independent Living Skills Development

Learning skills that will assist someone in living independently in the community.

Mobility- Making oneself aware of surroundings and how to navigate them.

Transportation- Showing individuals how the transportation system works, what are the transportation options, applying for if necessary, etc…

Housing- Writing questions to ask, role playing conversations with landlords, saving money for security deposits, finding furniture, organizing the move, enlisting help, reading ads, the search, understanding a lease, knowing one’s rights, etc…

Finances- Budgeting, shopping on a budget, banking, setting up bank accounts and managing them, writing and depositing checks, making withdrawals, paying bills, etc…

Nutrition: Shopping on a budget, storing food safely, meal planning, learning the layout of stores, reading receipts, etc…

Communication- Learning body language, role playing, organizing the messages one is trying to convey before communicating, asking questions without offending others, using other forms of communication, etc…

Medications- Learning about medications, filing prescriptions, making schedules of when they need to be taken, etc..

Assistive Technology: Learning about devices/technology that can assist with everyday living, such as equipment for people with the use of one hand, talking devices for blind individuals, etc.

Individual Advocacy: assisting individuals to advocate for their personal needs. This could include: advocating for a sign language interpreter for a meeting, advocating to have a meeting place changed to accommodate someone who uses a wheelchair, advocating with a school to provide a communication device for a child, etc.

Eligibility and Service Area
Children and adults with any type of disability living in Broome, Chenango and Tioga Counties are eligible for these services.

Contact
Peer Counseling and IL Supervisor
Phone: (607) 724-2111 or toll free at (877) 722-9150 (Voice and TTY)
Fax: (607) 772-3611

Click here for link to Peer Counseling Page