Summary of Programs
(Please note: ILCKC materials are available in alternative format)
Advocacy (Individual)
ILCKC will assist consumers resolve problems with outside agencies or individuals, including those in which you may wish to obtain services or benefits. Working with ILCKC staff, you will work toward learning self-advocacy skills in order to be empowered in future situations.
Advocacy (Systems Change)
Systems Change Advocacy aims to affect system-wide change. A few of the successes ILCKC has experienced in Systems Change include: education about Service Dogs, the installation of beeping lights at intersections for the visually impaired, education of GET staff and drivers about the ADA, extended lights to allow time to cross, and obtaining local, state and federal proclamations declaring the month of October 2010 as Disability Awareness Month. These proclamations were presented at our 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Art and Social Programs
In recognition of the therapeutic value of the arts and to counteract some of the isolation felt by persons with disabilities, the ILCKC offers variety of programs designed for social interaction and/or artistic development.
Assistive Technology
The Assistive Technology Department is here to assist anyone with a disability to find any form of technology that will assist them to live a more productive life. The type of technology we assist with includes but is not limited to computers, software, communicators, audio amplifiers, and much more. AT Spotlight: AT Recycling Program (PDF)
Communication Services
The ILCKC assists persons with communication disabilities by providing the following” relay calls, helping consumers obtain TDD equipment, interpreter referrals, forms assistance, and limited reader services, etc.
Client Assistance Programs
The Client Assistance Program (CAP) is available to inform Department of Rehabilitation applicants and consumers, as well as consumers of Independent Living Centers, about procedures and services and to assist them in resolving difficulties that evolve in the course of pursuing services. Consumers receiving Department of Rehabilitation services in Kern County can contact the CAP advocates in Fresno at (800) 244-2274 or Sacramento at (800) 952-5544.
Housing Services
The ILCKC may be able to assist you with locating accessible and affordable housing by providing referrals to available housing throughout the community. The Centers housing services also includes assistance in applying for subsidized housing, mediation assistance with landlord disputes, other rental difficulties, and home modifications.
Independent Living Skills Training
Independent Living Skills training is provided by ILCKC staff in the areas of money management, cooking/nutrition, living skills, employment readiness, mobility, conducting housing search, hiring an attendant, etc.
Information and Referral
Provides consumers with assistance in utilizing all available services in the community.
Peer Counseling
Peer counseling is available for the consumer with a disability to help with daily life adjustments, problem solving and goal setting. To meet your goals, the Center allows for small group sessions to be scheduled with family/friends. Peer counseling does not take the place of psychological counseling.
Personal Assistants Information
Consumers can develop skills and knowledge in the interviewing, hiring management and self evaluation of a personal assistant. A registry of persons looking for part-time and full-time work as an assistant is maintained.