Our Programs

  

Core Services

Independent Living - The ILRC assists consumers who have disabilities with skill development in areas such as money management, goal setting, accessing community transportation, utilization of equipment, and employment readiness.  We can adapt skills training to meet the individual's goals and desires for achievement or continuation of independent living.

Advocacy - The ILRC assists consumers in self, individual, and systems advocacy.  We have staff, which are knowledgeable, ADA Trainers.  They can assist individuals, businesses, and other interested organizations in learning more about the American's with Disabilities Act in order to become ADA Compliant and Disability Friendly.

Information Referral - The ILRC acts as a clearing house for information to be provided to consumers to assist in living independently.  The ILRC furnishes disability related information for consumers and the general public. 

Peer Counseling - The ILRC offers ongoing peer support opportunities for groups and individuals with disabilities to support each other with information and experiences in order to facilitate independent living.

 

Career Development

Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Project- Are you puzzled by the many options available to individuals receiving SSI/SSDI?  The Independent Living Resource Center of NE Florida (ILRC) is here to help you put it all together.  The Social Security Administration has awarded a cooperative agreement to the ILRC to provide Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach services.  Our purpose is to empower individuals between the ages of 14 and 65, who receive SSDI and/or SSI, so they can make informed choices about employment.  We do this by providing accurate information on benefits and on the various work incentives and supports available in the community.

There is no charge to participate.

The Mission:

Services:

Contacts:

High School/High Tech - High School/High Tech is an enrichment program for high school students with disabilities.  It is designed to develop career opportunities and provide activities that will spark an interest in high technology fields, and to encourage students to pursue higher education.  High School/High Tech programs have been established in numerous sites across the country.

 

What are the primary features of High School/High Tech?

Contact: Margarita Warren @ 399-8484 ext. 43 or margaritaw@cilj.com

 

Career Choice - Career choice is comprehensive employment readiness program developed to meet the needs of people with disabilities by addressing the issues of personal employment skills.  The program is directed towards providing individuals with disabilities the necessary skills to compete more effectively in the workforce.

 

Youth Career Choice - Youth Career Choice is an innovative program offered by the ILRC in collaboration with local businesses. It is designed to expose high school students working towards a Special Track Diploma to viable career possibilities. It is a community based effort that brings new resources into public schools while assisting students to successfully transition from the world of high school to the world of work.

 

Job Placement - The ILRC utilizes a "consumer-centered" approach to Job Placement.  Staff guides consumers through their own job search.  The job development is specific to the individual and follows specific career planning.  We encourage the primary relationship to be between consumers/employees and employers rather than the job specialists/agencies and employers.  Worksite visits with the employer and employee, provision of reasonable work-related accommodations, and job/task analysis to ensure productivity will be provided as follow-up services to consumers after employment has been obtained to ensure that successful employment is maintained.

 

Computer Training - Computer Training is offered at the ILRC's fully equipped and accommodating computer lab.  This training can be obtained in either individual tutoring or in a group "class-like" setting.  Subjects range from basic computer skills to advance systems knowledge.

 

 

Other Programs

 

Sign Language Interpreting - Sign language interpreting services are coordinated by the ILRC for Duval and surrounding counties.  The Center has a pool of freelance interpreters to manage the requests for services and the limited resources in response to a greater demand.  Businesses, agencies, and any other entities can schedule a sign language interpreter through the Center to ensure equal access of services to Consumers who are deaf.  There is a fee for this service.

 

Victim Advocate for the Deaf - This program is in partnership with the Victim Service Center in Jacksonville.  We provide crisis intervention services for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing and are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.  This includes providing advocacy, information and referral, translating during communication when needed to clarify and explain what is going on and offers follow-up services.

 

Nursing Home Transition - The Center provides transition services to nursing home residents that are interested in integrating into the community.  This service is also available to assist Consumers from entering a nursing home and maintaining independence in the community.  Staff can assist the Consumer by coordinating services that would ensure a smooth transition to independence.  The ILRC links Consumers to local resources, provides assistance in obtaining funding for deposits, background checks, application fees, and coordinates with other community agencies whose services are crucial for the transition.

 

Temporary Loan Closet - The TLC is a cooperative effort of many local agencies which serve the disabled community.  The Closet stores a large array of durable medical equipment to be loaned out, on a temporary basis, to anyone who is in need.  Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, shower chairs, commode chairs, hospital beds and scooters are just a few of the pieces available through this innovative program.   Equipment is available to all residents of the First Coast.  It is housed in one central location (the Independent Living Resource Center of NE Florida) and easily accessible.  In order to obtain a piece of equipment contact the Coordinator at 904-399-8484 ext. 16 Voice/TTY.  All requests must have a doctor's prescription and an appointment for pick-up and returning items.  The consumer is responsible for pick-up and return of items.  Volunteers may be available to assist as a last resort. The staff and board of the TLC are determined to fill all requests.  The continuation of this program will depend on donations of equipment and funds from individuals and corporations within our community.  We also need volunteers to help at the TLC. If you are interested in volunteering, a presentation for your group, or would like to make an equipment or monetary donation, please call the TLC at 904-399-8484 ext.16.

 

Deaf Consumer Programming -  Deaf Consumer Programming (DCP) assists individuals as consumers who are deaf or hard of hearing to maintain their rights to equal access and equal opportunities in: employment, education, communication, recreation, community services, and making choices in daily living activities.  The program provides independent living skills training in areas of making choices, money management, SSI issues, parenting, and communication skills.  Other programming involves training on systems, self and individual advocacy, peer counseling, community education, and classes for consumers, family, friends, co-workers, and community service delivery sources.  The program's focus is to provide outreach to consumers and businesses.  The DCP offers training and presentations on Deaf Culture and the Americans Disabilities Act for groups, schools employers, etc...  If you are interested in learning about our Deaf Consumer Programming please contact us.  Contact: Deaf Consumer Program Coordinator TTY: (904) 398-6322

 

FTRI - Share the Good News...Using FTRI equipment can help make you more telephone INDEPENDENT.  Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) provides specialized telecommunications equipment to qualified residents of Florida who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf/Blind, or Speech Impaired.  If you're a person with a hearing or speech impairment, you may get frustrated trying to use the telephone.  Maybe you have family members who live far away and it's difficult to talk to them over the telephone.  Now, with FTRI specialized telecommunication equipment, you can reopen those lines and discover communication freedom.  Our specialized telephones may help end the frustration of having to ask people to repeat themselves or make your phone calls for you.  To alert you when the phone rings, we also offer specialized ring signaling devices.  This equipment is loaned to residents who qualify for as long as needed, AT NO CHARGE.  Regional Distribution Center #5 is located at the Independent Living Resource Center of NE Florida, 2709 Art Museum Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Leslye Domingo is the FTRI Specialist.  She can be reached at (904) 399-8484 ext. 16 or e-mail: Ftri@cilj.com. 

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

 

Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc is located at 1820 E. Park Avenue, Suite 101, Tallahassee, FL 32301.  Hours:  Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Telephone:  1-800-222-3448 (Voice) /1-888-447-5620 (TTY).

 

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2709 Art Museum Drive Jacksonville, Florida 32207  (904) 399-8484 V/TTY  Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.