Photo of Independence, Inc. Transportation Manager LaNeece Jardon, side by side with other local transit managers and drivers, posed after accepting the Douglas County Commission Driver Appreciation Proclamation at Lawrence City Hall
    March 18 is Transit Driver Appreciation Day, marking the kickoff of National Transit Driver Appreciation Week! Transit drivers are a vital part of our communities and do so much more than get us from point A to point B. Celebrate YOUR transit driver by showing them some sincere appreciation for their loyal service to our communities! Find out more about Independence, Inc. Transportation and how YOU can get rides in Douglas County!
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    There are so many ways to connect with us! 
    Give us a call, instant chat with a live person during business hours (by clicking the blue chat bubble in the lower right corner), visit our Contact Page
    for individual staff members or departments, or visit us on social media!

     

    Female who is blind sits beside her service dog in an outdoor patio setting

    Emergency preparedness is an essential part of independent living. Watch the FEMA “We Prepare Everyday“ videos, visit the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination for more on FEMA inclusive emergency management and disaster preparedness, learn all about making an emergency plan and so much more from the FEMA Ready Campaign

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    Are you experiencing symptoms of Long-Covid? Has the pandemic affected your income, mental health, job capabilities or created other hardships? Are you on Medicaid and wondering how to maintain coverage now that the Public Health Emergency Period has ended?  We can help!

    Serene background of a winding path through a field of grass, trees and flowers with a very bright light at the end of the path. Text that reads I resolved to stop accumulating and begin the infinitely more serious task of wise distribution. Andrew Carnegie.

    Do you know the personal benefits of Planned and Major Gift Giving?  Understanding the intersectionality of donor benefits and planned giving can be a critical part of your estate planning. Organizations like ours look to these major gifts for long-term sustainability and growth of critical programs and services. Would you like to learn more? Visit our Planned Giving page

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    Check out our new art gallery! Our weekly Art Therapy Peer Groups have a lot of fun exercising their creativity with their fabulous art projects and we want to share them with YOU!

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    We are here for YOU and your public transportation needs including local rides within Lawrence city limits, County rides throughout Douglas County, and Medical rides to the greater KC and Topeka areas. Call us today or visit https://independenceinc.org/transportation/

    Black and white historical photo of participants in an early Independent Living Movement rally and march

     

     

    What is a Center for Independent Living (CIL)?

    Learn all about the Independent Living Movement and the formation of Centers for Independent Living from the National Council on Independent Living website

    Female wearing a black jacket and blue jeans sitting in her wheelchair, bending forward to pet her service dog

    Our FY 2023 Annual Report will be published soon! Visit our website  to see archives of our past reports.

    image of a male with short dark hair sitting in his wheelchair at a desk and a female with long dark hair sitting in a chair near him, both are looking at a computer screen. Text overlay reads: Ready to ask for a job accommodation? Here’s some guidance!

    Asking for a needed job accommodation can be a critical component to success on the job and personal and professional growth
    Read through this helpful and informative article about knowing your rights and taking the uncertainty out of asking for an accommodation

    image of an elderly female walking with the aid of a rollator, holding hands with a young female girl in a park-like setting. Text reads: Don't Wait, Communicate

    The goal of the FEMA Ready Campaign is to prepare all of us for a natural disaster or other emergency. Each year, the focus is on underserved communities and this year, the goal is targeted help for older adults and their caregivers, to make a plan and be ready if disaster strikes.  https://www.ready.gov/

    blue background with text: Guide to Disability Rights Laws and Contact information in the United States

    New Resource: A guide to Disability Rights Laws and Contact Information in the United States Download the PDF Here!

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    Are you READY to get Vaccinated? Visit our COVID-19 page for all of you local resources to get informed and get vaccinated. It's FREE, convenient, and we can help get you there!

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    Independence, Inc. virtual Peer Groups now include Art and Music Therapy! Interested? Check out the information HERE

    US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission logo and text that reads E. E. O. C. Disability related employment resources

    Knowing your rights as an employee with a disability can be critical to job satisfaction, security and earning potential and recognizing and mitigating discrimination or discriminatory practices. Visit the EEOC website for the latest news, publications, overview of disability laws and other valuable resources and information

    Bulletin board background with the Administration for Community Living logo in red, blue and gold, with text that reads Strengthening the Direct Care Workforce through grants, training, information and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) resources for self-direction.

    Visit the Association for Community Living website - Strengthening the Direct Care Workforce page to see what YOU can do to self-direct in this challenging era and become an advocate for and partner in rebuilding and expanding the Direct Care Workforce

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    Have you been diagnosed with or think you may have symptoms of Long Covid? Are you interested in learning more about the condition, sharing resources, finding information and being part of a Long-COVID Peer Support Group? Contact us today to find out more! New participants and guest facilitators welcome!

      Coming Soon!

      Our Welcome Spring edition of our newsletter is published! Check out what we've been up to, center and community news and resources