Independence Empowerment Center directly assists persons with disabilities to establish or maintain lives in the community. We serve and support people with disabilities of all ages to increase and maintain independence. We also assist families and communities.
Peer Support
Peer Support services are designed to empower individuals with disabilities to live more independently and confidently within their communities. Through shared lived experience, Peer Support Specialists provide understanding, encouragement, and practical strategies to help individuals navigate daily challenges, access resources, and advocate for their needs. These services are grounded in respect, dignity, and person-centered care, ensuring that each individual’s strengths, preferences, and goals remain central to the support process.
Peer Support also offers guidance in building self-advocacy skills, improving communication, and developing effective coping strategies for managing stress, transitions, and complex systems of care. Individuals are supported in strengthening executive functioning skills, such as organization, follow-through, and decision-making, while also receiving assistance with setting realistic goals and maintaining progress over time. Services may include structured check-ins, collaborative problem-solving, and assistance with preparing for appointments or important conversations.
In addition, Peer Support fosters connection and reduces isolation by promoting meaningful engagement within the community. Whether through skill-building, resource linkage, or consistent encouragement, these services aim to enhance overall well-being, increase independence, and support each individual in achieving a more stable, self-directed, and fulfilling life.
Advocacy
IEC’s philosophy is to encourage people with disabilities to realize their power. We educate them and other community members on the civil rights of all people with disabilities.
Information & Referral
Information and Referral Advocates work with participants, their families, and the community to educate, find resources, and make appropriate referrals. IEC has a wide variety of resources and can point people in the right direction to get needed answers.
Independent Living Skills Training
Participants become more independent by learning how to budget, complete forms, interview, and meet other needs specific to each individual that will allow him or her to live independently.
Transition Services
- Facilitate the transition of individuals with significant disabilities from nursing homes and other institutions to home and community-based residences, with the requisite supports and services;
- Aid individuals with significant disabilities who are at risk of entering institutions so that the individuals may remain in the community; and
- Facilitate the transition of youth who are individuals with significant disabilities, who were eligible for IEPs under section 614(d) of IDEA, and who have completed their secondary education or otherwise left school, to postsecondary life.
Medicaid Waiver Services
Perform assessments evaluating needs, obtaining authorizations for needed in-home services, reviewing care needs, and providing management training to self-direct care, and maintain a personal assistant registry.
Emergency Preparedness
IEC Staff encourages you to be in charge of your own emergency preparedness.
Prepare your own “To Go” kits. Be sure to include medications and a list with dosages; glasses; hearing aid batteries; important phone numbers; medical insurance cards; small food items and water. Keep this bag in a place that will be accessible to take with you in an emergency.
Energy Share
For assistance with utility bills, please contact a Facilitator.