Making Day-to-Day Life Easier for People With Disabilities

SMILE helps people with disabilities understand their rights, build self advocacy skills, access services, and address barriers to independence. SMILE also works to improve policies, programs, and community access that affect people with disabilities. Please call for more information. 

SMILE provides low cost independent living aids and assistive devices to people who are blind or have low vision. Staff also provide training on using these devices safely and independently at home, school, work, and in the community. Please call for an appointment. 

Speak Group is a peer support group for people who are blind or have low vision. Members share experiences, resources, and encouragement while learning from one another. Community members are welcome. Please call for meeting information. 

SMILE provides disability related information and connects people with community programs, benefits, resources, and services. Information and referral services are available to people with disabilities, families, and the general public. 

SMILE provides consumer directed training based on each person’s goals. Training may include cooking, household management, self care, Healthcare communication, transportation, and other skills that support independence. 

The program facilitates several small, informal peer support groups or peer counseling can be one on one. Within these groups, participants discuss coping skills and mutual concerns or issues. In order to offer this program, the help of volunteers from the community is needed, thus establishing a network of "peer mentors" who are people with disabilities who are willing to share their experiences with others like themselves.

Personal Resource Management provides information, education, and support to help individuals understand and manage their financial resources and public benefits. Services may include budgeting, financial management, understanding programs such as SSI, SSDI, and SNAP, and connecting individuals with community resources that support independent living.

SMILE assists people with significant disabilities who want to move from a nursing home or other institution into a community based residence. 

Preventing Institutional Placement: 

SMILE assists people with significant disabilities who are at risk of entering a nursing home or other institution. Services focus on identifying resources, supports, and skills that can help the person remain in the community. 

Youth Transition: 

SMILE assists youth with significant disabilities who have completed or left secondary education with preparing for postsecondary life and greater independence. 

Other Services: 

SMILE may offer additional services and programs based on community needs and available funding. Please contact our office for current information. 

SMILE is an authorized agency that assists individuals with disabilities in completing and signing YCAT Reduced Fare applications. Contact our office to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

SMILE provides other various programs throughout the year varying by funding. Please call our office for more information on other services.