Click for LARGER textAccess North provides five core services that all 400-plus Centers for Independent Living offer nationwide:
- Independent Living Skills Training
- Information and Referral
- Advocacy
- Peer Mentoring/Group Support
- Transition to Community
Five Core Services
Core Service 1: Independent Living Skills Training
Access North offers an Independent Living Skills Training program where staff provide independent living skills training in any life area in which a consumer has a goal to become more independent. We have a variety of independent living skills assessments to utilize which can help you to determine goal areas if you like. Training is provided within the home and community where you live. Goal areas include, but are not limited to:
- budgeting skills
- cooking
- accessing community services
- communication
- all areas of independent living
Core Service 2: Information and Referral
Access North provides individuals with disabilities, family members, other service providers, and the community at large with information regarding the available options and resources that enable people with disabilities to live more independently in the community of their choice.
Core Service 3: Advocacy
Self-advocacy skills and assertiveness training are provided in all areas of life. In addition, Access North advocates for systems changes at the local, state, and national levels.
For example:
- (1) Individual Consumer Advocacy -
This involves Center staff working with you to understand your rights and obtain the support services you need to live independently.
- (2) Community Advocacy -
This involves Center staff, Board members, and volunteers initiating activities to make changes in the community that make it easier for all persons with disabilities to live more independently.
Core Service 4: Peer Mentoring / Group Support
Access North's Peer Mentoring program links trained mentors with consumers for support, goal setting, and socialization. The objective is to learn, to explore options and to brainstorm problems that sometimes arise for people with disabilities.
For example, a mentor and consumer may work together when a consumer is making adjustments due a newly acquired disability, or when a consumer learning to use community services more effectively.
In addition, a variety of support groups are offered within our service area. Please, use the link below to access a
Core Service 5: Transition to Community
Transition to Community services are intended to assist people with disabilities as they transition from nursing facilities and other institutions into community settings with the goal of preventing institutionalization. For more information about relocating from a nursing home, please use the link below to visit our Nursing Home Relocation pages.
These services also focus on supporting youth as they prepare for adult life in all areas of independent living including accessing transportation, housing, and employment in the community. For more information about preparing for this life transition or helping someone as they make this transition, please use the link below to visit our Life Transitions pages.
Access North offers many other services to people with disabilities,
to the people who care about us,
and to the communities in which we live.
Please, use the link below to learn about these other services: