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Independent Living Rehabilitation Services (ILRS)
The purpose of
funds authorized under this program is to assist states in providing services to
individuals who may benefit, to enable them to live and function more
independently within their home or community.
What is Independent Living Rehabilitation
Services (ILRS)
The Rehabilitation Act amendments of 1978
authorized a program for individuals with disabilities under Title VII of the
Act. This program is called Independent Living Rehabilitation Services.
The purpose of funds authorized under this program
is to assist states in providing services to individuals who may benefit, to
enable them to live and function more independently within their home or
community
Am I Eligibile for Independent Living
Rehabilitation Services?
To be eligible for ILRS you must be a person with
a significant physical, mental, cognitive or sensory impairment which
substantially limits your ability to function independently in your family, home
and/or community.
There must be a reasonable expectation that
Independent Living Rehabilitation Services will assist you to improve your
ability to function, continue functioning or move towards functioning
independently.
There is no upper or lower age limit for
independent living services, however, the vast majority of clients receiving
independent living services are 16 years of age or older. In those rare cases
when children under 16 years of age are accepted for IL services, it must be
agreed that they will be able to achieve a self-directed and independent
lifestyle by the time the Individualized Written Independent Rehabilitation Plan
(IWRP) has been completed.
Not everyone with a disability may be eligible to
receive ILRS services, but no person will be denied the right to apply.
What Are Some of the Services Provided Through
ILRS?
ILRS services are time-limited and are always
directed towards achieving an independent living goal. Individuals who meet
eligibility criteria work closely with an Independent Living counselor to
identify objectives in the areas of personal and/or home management or community
integration.
In support of the identified goal(s) the primary
or "CORE" services provided through ILRS may include:
- Independent Living Skills Training
- Information and Referral to appropriate agencies
or providers
- Individual and Systems Advocacy
- Peer Support and Counseling and/or
Mentoring
Other services are
provided based on individual needs, independent living goals and agency funding.
Some services are subject to a determination of the consumer's financial need.
You or your family may participate in the costs associated with some others
services. If you become an ILRS client, your ILRS counselor will discuss this
with you when you develop your Individualized Written Rehabilitation
Plan.
What the ILRS Program Is NOT:
- ILRS is not a medical program;
- ILRS is not a program that pays for goods or
services that are provided by other programs;
- ILRS is not a program that pays for daily living
expenses;
- ILRS is not a program that provides goods or
services that are not related to an Independent Living goal.
What Makes for a Successful Outcome in
ILRS?
The rehabilitation process is designed as a
cooperative effort between you and your Independent Living counselor. A
commitment to achieve greater independence; a willingness to examine your
strengths and abilities; and open communication between you and the counselor
are essential to a successful rehabilitation program.
How Can I Apply for Independent Living
Rehabilitation Services?
Call the Regional office closest to you; its staff
will put you in touch with a Rehabilitation Services Administration Independent
Living counselor in your area.
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