‘Choice, control, change’: motto of Independent Living Center

Many people with disabilities may not be aware of options that could help them live more independently. Access II Independent Living Center hopes to educate people about available opportunities.

Access II was established 11 years ago in Daviess County by a group of individuals committed to providing a wide array of independent living services to people with disabilities in the community. They saw the need to improve the quality of life and services in their community.

Access II serves individuals with disabilities in eight counties in Northern Missouri, which include: Caldwell, Carroll, Daviess, Grundy, Harrison, Livingston, Mercer and Ray Counties.

Before the establishment of Access II, there were very few options for people with disabilities in rural Missouri. Access II now assists people with all types of disabilities to be independent within their communities.

The center provides information and referral services, transportation, peer support, independent skills training and advocacy work. Access II provides many secondary services, such as ramps for wheelchairs, home modifications, equipment loans of durable medical equipment and a wide array of disability related materials in its library.

Independent Living also provides Telecommunications Access Program, which provides adaptive telephone equipment and signaling devices for individuals with disabilities.

The center currently has been assisting individuals within its communities in enrolling in the new Medicare D program. Access II also offers in-home caregiver services through the Department of Health and Senior Services.

The Independent Living motto, “Choice, Control and Change,” sums up its philosophy control over one’s life by making choices that in turn brings about change.

Once consumers have chosen the goals they want to pursue, Access II assists them in accomplishing them. This puts the consumer in control, deciding what needs to be done and how to achieve it. By making those choices and taking control regarding their lives, changes are made and they move away from dependency.

Anyone with a disability can qualify for this service. If a disability interferes with their daily living and activities then Access II can help them. It is preferable to stay at home as long as a person can. It would cost more to be living somewhere else and people would rather live their life out at home.

Funding for the program is obtained in a grant through the Missouri Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Access II is just one of 21 centers in the state of Missouri. Donations are also received to supplement the funding. The center is always requesting donations and take old equipment such as walkers, shower chairs, transfer benches, commodes and wheelchairs or any disability related equipment.

If you have a disability and are in need of assistance please contact Access II ILC Inc. at (660) 663-2423 or any Independent Living Center in the State of Missouri.