Independent Living Skills Training

Sometimes we must learn new skills  or new ways of performing skills so that we can live independent self-empowered lives. ETCIL offers cooking and  money management classes, travel training and computer training. Other classes may be designed upon request. Our  computer lab features assistive equipment that can provide access to commonly used software programs, the internet and email using assistive technology. Classes are offered using specialized techniques designed for people who are blind, have learning disabilities, or physical disabilities that prevent the use of a mouse or keyboard. 

 

Advocacy – ETCIL offers various trainings in self and systems advocacy. 

 

Self Advocacy

Self advocacy is at the heart of being independent.  Learning to state our needs clearly and effectively is necessary whether we are trying to talk to our doctor, apply for services, manage a personal assistant, access transportation or interview for a job.

Systems Advocacy

Systems Advocacy is two-fold. ETCIL may intervene on behalf of a person with a disability if they have been denied services necessary to maintain independent living. This program includes assisting qualified individuals with filing for Social Security disability benefits to include reconsiderations of previously denied requests. Additinally ETCIL is active in disability issues at the local, state and national level.  See ETAP below. 

Peer Mentoring

Staff, board members and volunteers with disabilities are available to discuss specific issues surrounding a variety of disabilities in a one –on-one conversation or a support group setting. 

 

Information and Referral

 

ETCIL staff is trained to answer email, telephone and office visit requests for practical knowledge combined with personal experience to assist persons in locating appropriate resources. Also you can click here -  LINKS -  for a  list of topics and internet links

 

Home by Choice

Recent court decisions required that “Money Follows The Person”, which means that both children and adults who are Medicaid -eligible and living in nursing facilities such as nursing homes, state schools or institutions may be able to request relocation to independent  or assisted living and still maintain Medicaid provided services. ETCIL facilitates this process by acting as the liaison between the individual and the various agencies and services necessary for the relocation to include benefits counseling, location of housing and transportation options, and skills training.

 

Hearing Loss Resource Specialist Program

  Funded by the DARS Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

The Hearing Loss Resource Specialist (HLRS) program is an integral part of East Texas Center for Independent Living (ETCIL’s) existing Deaf and Hard of Hearing services which are offered in the 23 county area known as HHSC Region 4.  These counties - known as Upper East Texas - are Anderson, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Delta, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hopkins, Lamar, Marion, Morris, Panola, Rains, Red River, Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood. 

The purpose of the HLRS program is to provide specialized services to individuals who are hard of hearing, late-deafened or oral deaf as well as to assist agencies and other providers in serving these consumers.

Activities will include the demonstration of assistive devices for persons with a hearing loss, information on communication strategies, assistance in locating resources and information and referral services.

70% of the time and efforts of this program will specifically relate to vocational rehabilitation related activities targeting individuals between the ages of 16 and 59.   30% of the time and efforts of this program will be allocated to activities targeting early childhood, elementary aged children and senior citizens. 

These activities will be performed by ETCIL employees including the Hearing Loss Resource Specialist in collaboration with professionals outside of the agency.  Some of these outside professionals will include the Region IV Regional Specialist, the STAP provider, DARS VR staff, Texas Workforce Center, Social Security Administration, local employers, audiologists, hearing aid dispensers, schools, colleges and universities, as well as nursing homes and the Area Agency on Aging. 

ETCIL has extensive experience working with many of these professionals as well as other social agencies, service providers and community leaders in Upper East Texas.  This experience will be invaluable as we coordinate with these individuals and organizations concerning the newly formed Hearing Loss Resource Specialist Program.

 

Deaf Services –  the following communication tools are available

Social Security Representative Payee Program

Sometimes a person’s ability to maintain an independent living arrangement is threatened by their inability to manage their Social Security benefits.  Bills go unpaid, poor choices are made, or the person may be preyed upon by family or acquaintances who misuse  the funds. ETCIL can act as the Representative Payee of Social Security benefits for eligible individuals.  The process  includes ETCIL staff helping the consumer design a budget, receiving the monthly benefits and disbursing the funds according to the plan.  Each individual receives money for food and personal needs based on the plan.  There is even a little left over for holiday and birthdays.  ETCIL is authorized by the Social Security Administration to perform this service.