Two competitive grants have been awarded by ACL's Independent Living Administration to TIRR Memorial Hermann Health System for the Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) program, which is a national center for information, training, research, and technical assistance in independent living. TIRR Memorial Hermann is a nationally-recognized medical rehabilitation facility for persons with disabilities.
One grant is for $259,316 and will support the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) Training and Technical Assistance Center for a period of three years starting on October 1, 2017. ILRU will work with partners to improve the performance of the SILC program with 56 projects nationwide through access to timely and relevant training and technical assistance regarding operations, duties, and responsibilities. Expected products include training in multiple formats, tutorials, training manuals, peer learning communities, technical assistance changes, website, and more.
The second grant is for $1,728,438 and will support the Centers for Independent Living (CIL) Training and Technical Assistance Center for a period of three years starting on October 1, 2017. ILRU will work with partners to continue enhancing the center with the goal of expanding and maintaining access for CILs to a central source of current, accurate, and timely information, expertise, and technical assistance that supports improving independent living outcomes for people with significant disabilities.
Recent examples of achievements supported by these grants during the previous funding period include:
- Training addressing the new core services for centers for independent living, including how to implement these services and report them accurately.
- A new manual titled "ABCs of Nursing Home Transition: An Orientation Manual for New Transition Facilitators" with tools and strategies transition facilitators can use to conduct the fundamental tasks of the institutional transition process.
- A supplementary guide to help with transition planning with a focus on locating and securing housing that meets the individual's needs and preferences.
Since ILRU was established in 1977, it has developed a variety of strategies for collecting, synthesizing, and disseminating information related to the field of independent living. It serves independent living centers, statewide independent living councils, state and federal rehabilitation agencies, consumer organizations, educational institutions, medical facilities, and others involved in the field.
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ACL's Independent Living Administration works to support community living and independence for people with disabilities across the nation. These programs provide tools, resources, and supports for integrating people with disabilities fully into their communities to promote equal opportunities, self-determination, and respect.