Overview of ILCNSCA

ILCNSCA is unique in the arena of human service agencies. Following the federal standards and assurances, ILCNSCA is consumer controlled and community based, serves individuals of all ages who have all types of disabilities. A minimum of 50% of the Board of Directors and direct services staff must be persons who have disabilities, and the Executive Director must also be a person with a disability. Directors and staff provide leadership and serve as role models of successful Independent Living (IL). Consumers choose their goals and work at their own pace to attain goal completion.

Programs & Services

ILCNSCA serves individuals who have disabilities and live or work, or want to live or work, in the following twenty-five cities and towns of the North Shore and Cape Ann: Beverly , Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Lynn, Lynnfield, Manchester, Marblehead, Melrose, Middleton, Nahant, North Reading, Peabody, Reading, Rockport, Rowley, Salem, Saugus, Stoneham, Swampscott, Topsfield, Wakefield and Wenham.

ILCNSCA core mandated services include: Independent Living Skills Development, Peer Counseling, Information and Referral, and Advocacy.

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Monthly Peer Support Group, Social/Recreation activities, topical Workshops, and Community Advocacy Groups are offered. Community Education presentations to agencies, schools and community groups occur throughout the year. ILCNSCA participates in local community fairs and other events as well as holds an Annual Meeting for Board election and an Annual Legislative Breakfast. Click here for a list of current activities: Calendar of Events.

Agency Information

Special Projects

 

Independent Living Skills Training

IL Skills Development provides guidance for a person with a disability to obtain the essential skills necessary to function in today's complex society. Categories could include: benefit application and appeal; health maintenance; emergency planning and preparedness; housing search; landlord/tenant relations; financial management; transportation access; civil rights; individual advocacy; consumer-directed Personal Assistance management tips.

Working with a Peer Guide, a Consumer will determine his/her own goals for independent living, which will in turn determine the skill areas for training. The Consumer will then master these skills through a combination of visits with the Peer Guide, written practice, homework and actual hands-on experience at the market, on the bus, in a social setting or at a relevant community setting, and/or referral for training in other arenas such as local community college.

Peer Counseling

For success in IL, it is necessary to have confidence, to understand how to cope with being "out there" in society and being constantly viewed as "different." Family issues, sexual identification, as a man or woman with a disability, and assertiveness in social and business situations are common areas of concern. The same Peer Guide providing IL Skills training will also assist the consumer on these personal issues. Learning to cope with challenges is equally important for success in Independent Living as any practical skills training.

Information and Referral (I&R)

The Center provides information continuously to individuals with disabilities, their families and friends, representatives of human service agencies, and cities and towns regarding resources and services available throughout the North Shore and Cape Ann Service Area. I&R keeps people informed about IL possibilities, expands awareness about the mission and activities of the Center, and reinforces the fundamental IL principle of participation in generic resources and services to the fullest extent attainable.

Advocacy and Education

ILCNSCA brings together its Members and acts in collaboration with other organizations such as the Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council and the other ten MA Independent Living Centers to eliminate barriers to full social participation by individuals with disabilities in society. Advocacy may take any one of several forms including information in the ILCNSCA quarterly newsletter, technical assistance on laws and regulations to other organizations to assist them to take informed, appropriate individual or group action to improve access to their activities and services, or education of elected and appointed local and state officials on rights and benefits of participation by persons with disabilities.

 

History

The Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann Inc. (ILCNSCA) incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1987 "to provide social services, information and referral, peer counseling, advocacy and independent living skills development services for individuals with severe physical or mental disabilities residing in the North Shore and Cape Ann areas of the Commonwealth." Federal Tax Exempt 501 (C) (3) Status was granted in December 1987.

ILCNSCA emerged from the North Shore Self Help Group (NSSHG), which began in 1980 as a local chapter of the Project in Self Advocacy of the Commonwealth. NSSHG brought disabled individuals together to share experiences as peers and to advocate for their rights to participate freely in the community.

When the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission sought to create new Independent Living Centers in the mid-1980s, members of NSSHG responded quickly to improve and expand the delivery of services to those who lived with disabilities on the North Shore and Cape Ann by creating ILCNSCA. The many valuable learning experiences of the NSSHG are reflected in the Mission of the Center today.

 

ILCNSCA's Mission Statement

The Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann Inc. is a service and advocacy center run by and for people with disabilities. ILCNSCA supports the struggle of people who have all types of disabilities to live independently and participate fully in community life.

The ILCNSCA pursues this mission through a combination of self-advocacy services and community action. Self-advocacy services are designed to enable participants to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve personal independence. ILCNSCA organizes and supports collective action by people with disabilities aimed at positive social change, the elimination of discriminatory barriers, and the creation of a supportive and fully accessible community environment.


Special Projects

Restaurant Accessibility Survey Project (RASP)

Volunteers of ILCNSCA conduct accessibility surveys of local restaurants. Results are shared with the restaurant and the public. Technical assistance is offered to the surveyed restaurants to improve their accessibility ratings. Advocacy and social opportunity are combined in this project supported by the NSSHG.

Consumer Access Advocacy Team (CAAT)

Volunteers of ILCNSCA meet monthly to review variance requests, ADA Transition Plans, and other Advocacy issues on Access. Meetings with elected officials and the CAAT occur throughout the year.

Resources for Home Modification/Assistive Technology

ILCNSCA has limited funding from Title 7 Part B under the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to provide resources for home modifications, vehicle modifications, and other adaptive equipment. ILCNSCA assists consumers with research and application for obtaining funds under the Home Modification Loan Program and the Assistive Technology Loan Program as well as other possible funding for those needs.

ADRC of the Greater North Shore

ILCNSCA is a partner with five Aging agencies to provide a ‘no wrong door’ entry for information and linkage regarding long term care services and supports. Our Aging and Disability Resource Consortium (ADRC) serves persons with disabilities of all ages and seniors with or without disabilities. This blending and braiding of ILCNSCA services with the Aging agencies services provides a broader voice for access to community services and supports. http://www.adrc-tae.org/tiki-print.php?page=MassachusettsProfilePublic

Title VII Part B

The Center has limited funding under Title VII Part B under the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which can be used to provide services or equipment to eligible persons with disabilities to assist them attain or maintain independence in the community. The most common uses of title VII Part B funding are for home modification, vehicle modifications, and assistive equipment for persons with disabilities in our services area. Click here for additional Title VII Part B information.

NSSHG Fund

The North Shore Self Help Group (NSSHG) Fund is a special fund that will be used to ensure that consumers of ILCNSCA with mobility disabilities have access to specific individualized employment supports when other resources may not be readily available. This fund exists from an endowment from the North Shore Self Help Group, founders of ILCNSCA. Click here for additional NSSHG Fund information.

MASS ACCESS

In keeping up to date with increased Independent Living housing needs for people with disabilities the Center has become a member of MASS ACCESS. MASS ACCESS, also known as The Accessible Housing Registry, catalogs numerous accessible or adaptable units in the state and tracks their availability. This information is updated on a daily basis and includes location, rent level, number of bedrooms, particular adaptable or accessible features, vacancy status, etc. Utilization of this system enables ILCNSCA staff to provide this crucial information directly to Consumers who are in need of housing options. www.massaccesshousingregistry.org

Massachusetts Network of Information Providers (MNIP)

The MNIP is conducted via a state wide computer network. This allows Independent Living Centers and other service providers to share important information regarding services, programs, and upcoming events in the community. This network allows the Center's staff, consumers, and volunteers to research information regarding services and supports throughout Massachusetts. http://www.disabilityinfo.org/MNIP/

ILCNSCA is committed to access and social justice for all and is an EEO/AA employer.