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

SMILE continually advocates for the Independent Living Philosophy, both individually and system wide. The Board and staff constantly strives to improve the system by writing letters, training staff, providing services, and creating public awareness as to the services and opportunities open to people who have disabilities. SMILE staff conducts disability awareness and education presentations and training to the community and its members. Please call for more information.

The Blind Services Program provides 'low ticketed' Independent Living Aids/ Assistive Devices to individuals with Low Vision/Blind in order for them to live safely, independently and with dignity in their community. SMILE staff will provide training in how to use these aids/devices. We provide: Talking watches/ clocks, canes, writing/signature guides, assistive devices for cooking/ school/ work... For individuals needing this service, please call our office for an appointment.

Staff and Board members provide information/ referrals related to disabilities for consumers and the general public. Staff provides informational services such as understanding Social Security benefits, where to find services in the community specific to their disability needs, and more.

Promoting consumer's strengths while addressing their needs, the SMILE staff teaches consumers basic skills such as cooking/ meal planning, household management, self-care, money management, and travel training. Service plans are adjusted to fit the goals of each consumer.

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.

The Lost Peepers group began several years ago and was named by its members, all of whom have low vision or blindness. The Lost Peepers group is a disability peer mentoring group. Individuals in the group range widely in experience with and adjustment to disability. Although the group is for Low Vision/Blindness, all community members are welcomed to attend, learn, and grow with the group. Please call our office for meeting time and date if you are interested in attending the meetings or are interested in a presentation to the group.

• Transition Assistance From Nursing Homes/Institutions to Community-Based Residences: This program provides transition services to people with disabilities who are living in a nursing home/institution and want to transition back to community-based living.
• Assisting Individuals to Avoid Institutional Placement: This program will provide assistance to people with disabilities who are at risk of moving into a nursing home/institution. Program services may include but are not limited to modifying the persons home to be accessible, helping find home care services, teaching the person independent living skills, etc. so that the person may maintain or improve their ability to live as independently as they are able to.
• Youth Transition Services: Transition of youth with significant disabilities after completion of secondary education to post secondary life.

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