Guided Independent Living Assessment (GILA)

Description

The GILA program assesses the readiness of young adults with disabilities to live independently, with real-life opportunities to learn and demonstrate basic living skills through group lessons, individual one-on-one coaching, observational assessment, applied activities, off-site classes, and a mentorship program. It is a 6 week independent living experience in two newly constructed, 2-bedroom apartments (all participants will have a roommate). Mentorship from people with disabilities who currently live independently, ongoing curriculum evaluation, weekly lessons will cover community and home safety, cooking and safety, housekeeping, money and planning, healthy relationships and communication, personal self-care (self-awareness, leisure, emotional management, etc.), and an exit plan at the end of the session developed with participants.

Hours

8 am -5 pm Mon - Fri.

Eligibility

Must be 18 years of age, fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and have documented disability. Individuals must be able to be unsupervised (without staff present) during evenings, overnight, weekends, and holidays. Individuals who need more assistance throughout the day – such as personal care assistance – must have their attendant care staff set up before entering the program. Must have a desire or interest for greater independence and have parent’s or guardian’s support in this pursuit. Must be willing to learn alternative modes of travel such as public transportation and be receptive to learning financial and time management. Must be socially adaptive and exhibit responsible behaviors when left unsupervised, be willing to follow rules and instruction, be independent in grooming and hygiene routines or has personal care staff to assist, and communicates effectively with or without accommodations. Must have a cell phone before entering the program.

Fees

$50.00 nonrefundable deposit per individual, personal spending money will need to be provided by the individual or payee/conservator.

Intake Procedure

All program participants must: complete the program application (available online at cprf.org/gila or by calling 316-688-1888), attend an open house event or a private tour, provide required documents as listed on the application, and send the program deposit. Once application and documentation are received, the application will be reviewed by the selection committee.

Languages

English.

Service Area

Statewide.

Geography Served

Description

The GILA program assesses the readiness of young adults with disabilities to live independently, with real-life opportunities to learn and demonstrate basic living skills through group lessons, individual one-on-one coaching, observational assessment, applied activities, off-site classes, and a mentorship program. It is a 6 week independent living experience in two newly constructed, 2-bedroom apartments (all participants will have a roommate). Mentorship from people with disabilities who currently live independently, ongoing curriculum evaluation, weekly lessons will cover community and home safety, cooking and safety, housekeeping, money and planning, healthy relationships and communication, personal self-care (self-awareness, leisure, emotional management, etc.), and an exit plan at the end of the session developed with participants.

Hours

8 am -5 pm Mon - Fri.

Eligibility

Must be 18 years of age, fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and have documented disability. Individuals must be able to be unsupervised (without staff present) during evenings, overnight, weekends, and holidays. Individuals who need more assistance throughout the day – such as personal care assistance – must have their attendant care staff set up before entering the program. Must have a desire or interest for greater independence and have parent’s or guardian’s support in this pursuit. Must be willing to learn alternative modes of travel such as public transportation and be receptive to learning financial and time management. Must be socially adaptive and exhibit responsible behaviors when left unsupervised, be willing to follow rules and instruction, be independent in grooming and hygiene routines or has personal care staff to assist, and communicates effectively with or without accommodations. Must have a cell phone before entering the program.

Fees

$50.00 nonrefundable deposit per individual, personal spending money will need to be provided by the individual or payee/conservator.

Intake Procedure

All program participants must: complete the program application (available online at cprf.org/gila or by calling 316-688-1888), attend an open house event or a private tour, provide required documents as listed on the application, and send the program deposit. Once application and documentation are received, the application will be reviewed by the selection committee.

Languages

English.

Service Area

Statewide.

Geography Served