CIL
THE CIL’S CONSUMER ORIENTATION PACKET
The Consumer Orientation Packet is designed to be a guide to the CIL services. It is intended to explain the CIL services so each person can fully understand their rights and responsibilities. This document will promote a harmonious relationship between the person we serve and the CIL staff.
THE CIL’S MISSION
The CIL is a non-profit organization committed to providing a wide array of services to assist individuals with disabilities to live independently, pursue meaningful goals, and have the same opportunities and choices as all persons.
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
The CIL believes that persons with disabilities have the right to:
---live as independently as their abilities allow;
---receive services based on need;
---have the same access to opportunities as all persons;
---exercise self-determination;
---access to programs which maximize their potential;
---integration in the community;
---employment which enhances their feeling of self worth and financial independence;
---a guarantee of constitutional and human rights; and
---choose available options and receive assistance toward independence.
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PRINCIPLES OF SERVICE
CONSUMER CONTROL: The CIL is guided and controlled by consumer involvement at all levels of responsibility in the organization. This assures that consumer interests will be followed in achieving community integration, self-determination, and equal human rights.
CONSUMER NEED BASED: The CIL assesses consumer needs and service resources within its service area in order to assure its programs are responsive to, and reflective of those needs.
INDIVIDUALIZED SERVICES:Individual consumer's independent living plans and services are designed and arranged with full consumer participation and service flexibility in order to optimally meet consumer aspirations and needs.
COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES: Through an integrated community setting and interaction with others, persons with disabilities have the best opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes with which to participate and thrive in the community. The CIL encourages and facilitates the use of community services by consumers rather than providing competing or segregated services. Activities sponsored by the CIL are located in environments used and accessed by all citizens, to the fullest extent possible.
LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT: The CIL provides and facilitates services in the least restrictive environment. This includes training in residential, social, recreational, and personal development. This optimizes the conditions for acquiring, maintaining, and utilizing specific skills of daily and community living that are part of the expected behavioral repertoire of all community members.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: Through functioning as a Center for Independent Living in the community for all persons with disabilities, the CIL focuses upon providing the information, knowledge, support, and resources needed to live, work, and recreate alongside their fellow citizens.
GUIDELINES FOR ELIGIBILITY
The CIL will provide independent living services to individuals or families regardless of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, economic status, or disability. Service is provided to all disability groups where barriers are present that limit the individual's ability to live independently.
An individual seeking assistance will be accepted into the program based on 1) the presence of a disability that limits his/her ability to function independently, and 2) a reasonable expectation that independent living services will assist the individual to achieve a degree of independence. If there is a demonstrated potential for a consumer to be a danger to themselves or others, eligibility for services will be reviewed and may be denied.
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The CIL programs are available to any individual with a disability who resides in the area.
REGION COUNTIES
DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
The CIL will provide the following services upon request:
INFORMATION & REFERRAL: Assists consumers in meeting their needs by providing up-to-date information and referrals to various resources and agencies within the region and state.
PEER COUNSELING: Peer counselors are individuals who assist consumers to achieve the independence they desire by sharing experiences, providing educational resources and providing support & friendship.
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRAINING: Provides individuals with disabilities an opportunity to make appropriate choices and learn the skills which will assist them in achieving the highest level of independence possible.
STUDENT TRANSITION: Provides a bridge between the security of school and the opportunities of adult life. A varied curriculum is offered to assist secondary students with transition from school to independent living for maximum community participation.
ADVOCACY: The CIL provides advocacy in the areas of housing, transportation, civil and human rights, education, employment, and other life situations.
OTHER SERVICES: Waivered Services (In-Home Family Support), Semi-Independent Living Services (SILS), Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals (CADI) Services, Assistive Technology, Recreational Activities, Support Groups, and the Ramp Project.
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CONSUMER COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
If a consumer has a complaint about services, the way services were provided, the CIL staff or volunteers, the individual is encouraged to follow our complaint procedure.
1. File a written complaint with the Executive Director not more than 60 days after the act of complaint has occurred.
2. Within 10 working days of receiving the complaint, the Executive Director will meet with the consumer, their legal guardian and/or legal representative to discuss the details and facts relating to the grievance.
3. The Executive Director will respond in writing to the consumer, their guardian and/or legal representative within 10 working days after the initial meeting with his/her decision.
4. If the consumer, guardian and/or legal representative is not satisfied with the decision of the Executive Director, they should contact the Executive Director within 10 working days of receiving the response. The Executive Director will inform the President of the Board of Directors, who will call a meeting of the Board of Directors within 30 working days to review the complaint. The Board of Directors will inform the Executive Director of its decision after interviewing the consumer, guardian, and/or legal representative, the CIL staff and other persons invited by either party. The Executive Director will issue the boards decision in writing within 10 working days. The Board of Directors has the final decision concerning the policies of the CIL.
5. If the board's decision is unacceptable. the consumer has the right to contact appropriate local or state agencies concerning the complaint. Those agencies are:
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
CONSUMERS:
1. Have the right & responsibility to make decisions about their own lives, set their own goals, and choose which services, information, or assistance to use;
2. Have the right to reject any requests or suggestions made by the staff;
3. Have the right to choose whether or not to have a written Independent Living Plan; .
If you choose to waiver the development of an Independent Living Plan, then your signature is required below.
WAIVER OF INDEPENDENT LIVING PLAN:
Iknowingly and voluntarily state that consumer name
an Independent Living Plan is unnecessary.
signature of consumer date
STAFF:
1. Will explain the CIL services, answer any questions concerning these services, ensure the requested services are provided as needed.
2. Will provide prompt and courteous service to the consumer.
3. Will have the right to terminate service to the consumer if he/she is not following through with the agreed upon plan or purpose of referral.
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I have been notified in accordance with the Government Data Practices Act that the CIL is required to provide grant activity reports to Rehabilitation Services (RS). I understand that my signature below authorizes the CIL to provide information about me as part of their required reporting process to Rehabilitation Services. Rehabilitation Services will use this information only for grant administration purposes, and will not release my name or personal information to other parties without my informed consent (or the consent of my guardian or legal representative where necessary).
CERTIFYING SIGNATURE
I have read the consumer orientation packet or it has been read to me, and I understand the
the information it contains. My signature certifies I have received a copy, and I am willing
to take responsibility for my decisions concerning the services I have requested from
the CIL.
Signed:------
(consumer) (date)
Signed:------
(Signature of parent or guardian if (date)
consumer is a minor or not legally
able to sign)
This information is available in alternate formats upon request.
Revised March 2000