Programs

Information & Referral
Peer Support
Independent Living Skills Training
Advocacy
Assistive Technology
Wis Loan
TeleWork

Information & Referral
Information about disability-related issues, resources and services is provided to people with disabilities, families, professionals and the general public. Staff are available to listen and assist with locating resources and developing strategies for individuals to resolve problems including but not limited to the following areas:

• Housing issues
• Benefit issues
• Accessibility of private and public areas
• Discrimination
• Finding equipment to enhance independent living

For more in-depth information on Information & Referral click here.
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Peer Support
One-on-one peer support is available from trained volunteers and staff. To be a peer volunteer, a person must have personal experience with a disability and have attained a substantial level of independence.

The goal of peer support is to assist the person in learning coping skills for today’s world. The peer support program uses the motto “been there, done that,” meaning that experience is the best education.

For more in-depth information on Peer Support click here.
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Independent Living Skills Training
Individualized training in daily living activities that are essential to living independently, safely, effectively and successfully are provided on a one-to-one basis. Training topics available include but are not limited to:

• Use of city bus and para-transit services
• Budgeting and personal finances
• Cooking
• Grocery shopping
• Menu preparation
• Lease and tenant/landlord responsibilities
• Recreation
• Social Security Application

For more in-depth information on Independent Living Skills Training click here.
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Advocacy
Independent Living Resources is available to help people learn how to speak for themselves. We will help all individuals who would like to become better self advocates. Building skills and self esteem enables individuals to ask for what they need to become or remain as independent as possible. It is necessary for persons with disabilities to develop these skills to more effectively impact not only their needs, but to impact local, state and national disability policy.

Independent Living Resources provides training, networking with other agencies, plus timely information to individuals about disability issues in its newsletter.

For more in-depth information on Advocacy click here.
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Assistive Technology
Independent Living Resource staff members are trained to provide an assessment of the person with a disability and their technology needs. Staff will provide recommendations for technology choices and will assist with locating and applying for financial assistance.

People also have the option of trying out one of over 500 items of adaptive equipment available for loan.

If the consumer is looking for used equipment, our staff will assist in connecting them with resources to match their specific needs.

For more in-depth information on Assistive Technology click here.
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Wis Loan
Wisloan is a state-wide alternative loan program helping Wisconsin’s residents with a disability to purchase assistive technology that assists them to live more independently and productively.

Any Wisconsin resident with a disability over the age of 18 in need of assistive technology or home modifications is eligible to apply for a loan. Some examples of assistive technology include wheelchairs, hearing aids, and vehicles with modifications. In addition, loans have been approved for home modifications such as ramp construction and roll-in showers. Loan amounts range from $500.00 to $50,000.00, but the actual loan amount will depend on the items purchased and your ability to repay. Current interest rate on a Wisloan is 6.5%. If you have bad credit, including bankruptcy, your application will still be considered. The focus is on the ability to make monthly payments to pay back the loan. Reasons for bad credit are taken into consideration.

The program is made possible through a grant from Title III of the Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) of 1998. The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS), Office for Persons with Physical Disabilities (OPPD) received the grant and provides programmatic and fiscal oversight. IndependenceFirst, a community-based and consumer-controlled Independent Living Center (ILC) based in Milwaukee, administers the program in partnership with Marshall & Ilsley Bank and seven other Independent Living Centers.

How to apply for a WisLoan or Telework funds? Contact Independent Living Resources to schedule a time to meet with an Independent Living Specialist to fill out the loan application paperwork. Contact us at 608-787-1111 or at our toll free number 1-888-474-5745.

To view a brochure on Wis Loan click here.
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TeleWork
The Wisconsin Telework Loan Program is a statewide, alternative loan program that allows Wisconsin residents with disabilities to purchase computers and other equipment needed to work from home or from other remote sites away from the office, such as work on the road or at a telework center.

What can I purchase with a Telework loan? Loan funds can be used to purchase equipment, training to use equipment, extended warranties, and cost of maintenance and repairs

Are there criteria for Telework loan applications? A telework loan is generally considered favorable if the equipment purchased with the loan assists you in doing at least one of the following:

• Begin telework for an employer where you were previously unemployed
• Increase income in an existing job through telework
• Remain employed at your current level, and prevent job loss or a reduction in earnings, through telework
• Begin working at home to accommodate your disability
• Initiate or expand home based self-employment with an approved business plan

How much can I borrow and at what interest rate and terms? Loan amounts range from $500 to $50,000. You may apply for the amount you need, but the actual loan amount will depend on the item purchased and your ability to repay the loan. The interest rate is 6.5% and term lengths depend on the amount of the loan and the item purchased.

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