What we do

How CILS Make a Difference

 

By Timothy Redd
When I first started working at the Memphis Center for Independent Living it was a complete shift from my previous work experience. At first I had a challenging time understanding the independent living philosophy.  I felt like I was not the most effective independent living specialist and that I was not making a difference. I expected that all my consumers would make and accomplish their goals and that would make me successful as an ILS. I felt deflated when I had to close cases and my consumers just checked out altogether. I pondered how CILs make a difference.

Today I am convinced that CILs are vital and necessary more than ever. 

Our core services are information referral, advocacy, independent living skills and transition to community for people living in institutions and young people transitioning to adult life. I have seen these services help people gain greater independence and they have helped me as well.

Advocacy

When I heard about ADAPT I was absolutely hell bent and convinced that I did not want to go on a national action. After a good deal of arm wrangling, not literally and Tim Wheat’s and Allison Donald’s convincing; I went to DC and took part in the 2017 Spring Action. 

I met so many people with disabilities filled with passion for equality it humbling and affirming. I made new friends and met Maxine Waters, one of my political heroes. By the time I made it back to Memphis I dog tired but really wowed by the experience and it’s something that I will never forget.

After days of action the Affordable Care Act was not repealed. That is when I understood the power of advocacy. These days I’m quick to speak out against things that violate the ADA. 

Last month I went to my gym and I noticed some new machines that were blocking the aisle making it impossible for me to through. Immediately I spoke to the director letting him know that the gym was now inaccessible and in violation of the ADA because the machines took away clearance need for a wheelchair. They were relocated.

Independent Living Skills & Information Referral

I am a consumer here and I set a goal to learn to drive. I was referred to TN Vocational Rehabilitation Services and assigned a counselor. My goal was to learn to drive.  On February 5^th 2018 I attained my driver’s license and I have acquired a new independent skill.

Transitions to the Community

Last year I became a part of the peer-to-peer program where I worked as mentor for Nursing Home Transition consumers.  Bobbie Fields and I have met a great deal of people in nursing homes and seen firsthand some of the less than desirable conditions and how people have been stripped of their independence. 

A few months ago we began working an 80 plus year-old senior and just last month she moved into her own apartment. We accompanied here to the store to pick out her furniture for her new place.  She was so happy about beginning this new chapter of life and what sticks with me most about that day is her smile and sheer joy. 

Many times people with disabilities are relegated to expensive nursing homes because they need homemaker services or additional medical care. Today thanks to direct service workers in home care is possible and it helps people live in the community maintaining freedom. Nursing homes to me are nothing me than pretty prisons and I would hate to send a love one there and I hope I never find myself in one.

Accessible Computer Lab

We live in a digital age. The computer has become so much more than a tool to publish documents. We communicate with others, pay bills, connect the global world through social media, and pay bills and shops. I have seen numerous consumers go from not having computer skills to coming in showing off their first purchased laptops.

The truth is that are many barriers that people with disabilities unknowingly to the mainstream society. When a person has newly acquired their disability they are often in denial, angry, afraid, scared, depressed, and left wondering what kind of life can they still have?  

MCIL is a place of affirmation that says just because your body works different you are normal and a person first. Dealing with stigmas associated with disabilities is hard, being a part of a like community of peers is empowering.

The services offered at MCIL are critical when it comes to independent living, especially when our community is not regarded as vital in the scope of mainstream society and so easily is disregarded and falls through the cracks. I have shared how the Memphis Center for Independent Living has helped others and myself reach greater independence. We are here to support you on your path to independence.