The Kenai Peninsula Independent Living Center is a full service Center with the main office located in Homer, Alaska. We are a non-profit corporation registered with the State of Alaska. A majority of our staff and Board of Directors are people who experience disabilities. Our Center has been an independent agency since 1992. We opened a satellite office in Soldotna, Alaska in 1995 to serve the Central Kenai Peninula. The satellite office in Seward, Alaska was opened in 1997 to better serve the communities of Cooper Landing, Moose Pass, and Seward. All of the services we offer are designed to assist families and individuals who experience disabilities to live as independently as possible in their own homes and communities of their choice.
The services we provide are consumer controlled. You as the consumer identify the services you need and together with appropriate staff, decide how best to acquire the services. Plese use the links below to find specific services and contact information for staff that can assist you.
Information & Referral |
Advocacy |
Peer Support |
Skills Training |
Nursing Home Transition |
Older Blind Services | Transportation |
| Vocational |
Community Closets | Housing Modification & ADA Technical Assistance | Recreation
Information & Referral
The Independent Living Center assists individuals and families with disabilities in finding answers to disability related questions. Where and how to get equipment, specific disabilities related information, or the correct angle of a wheelchair ramp, are all commonly asked questions. The Center maintains a reference library and is on line over the Inter-Net. Trained staff in the Homer 800-770-7911 or 907-235-7922, Central Peninsula 907-262-6333, or Seward 907-224-8711 offices can help you to find the answers to your questions.
Advocacy
The Independent Living Center provides advocacy on both a personal and systems level.
On the personal level, we can help you to acquire the services and benefits to which you are entitled. The Center has staff experienced in advocating on behalf of individuals with disabilities.
We have been instrumental in affecting disability policy on both a state and federal level.
Peer Support
Staff that has extensive personal experience with disability provides services. We can help you to meet and overcome the day-to-day challenges that result from disability.
Skills Training
The Kenai Peninsula Independent Living Center offers skills training to both individuals and groups. Consumers can schedule training at any of the Center offices. Training includes budgeting, basic computing, work skills, and self-advocacy.
Nursing Home Transition
The Independent Living Center works with the Alaska Division of Senior Services to provide services that allow individuals to move back into their communities. We work with families and individuals, nursing home and long-term care staff, and medical treating professionals to insure the transition is safe and successful. Our Center is an Aging and Disability Resource Center.
Older Blind Services
Older Blind Services: The Independent Living Center provides services to Alaskans, over the age of 55, in our service areas, who are experiencing blindness or vision loss. We can facilitate the acquisition of low vision aids, provide recommendations for housing modifications, and help to arrange for mobility training in the home and in the community.
In Homer call Amanda, (907) 235-1444 or (800) 770-7911 e-mail
In Soldotna call Susan, (907) 262-633 e-mail
In Seward call Diane, (907) 224-8711 e-mail
Transportation
The Kenai Peninsula Independent Living Center, in conjunction with the Alaska Department of Transportation and area taxi companies offer a voucher system to pay for cab fares. Consumers can redeem vouchers for transportation to doctors' visits, shopping, or just for mobility. Call or e-mail the Homer 800-770-7911 or 907-235-7911 or the Central Peninsula 907-262-6333 offices to see if you qualify.
Vocational
The Independent Living Center will help you to reach a vocational goal. Working with the Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, we will help you to identify a vocational goal and to achieve it. The Center provides benefits analysis and counseling as part of the Alaska Works project. We can assist you to develop and implement a comprehensive business plan. The Center has two trained benefits analysts on staff to assist you. Call the Homer office (800) 770-7911 or (907) 235-7911and ask for either Joyanna e-mail or Jime-mail.
Community Closets
The Independent Living Center maintains an extensive inventory of accessibility items for rent, loan, or sale. Items include, mobility items, small household appliances, electronics, and other things designed to enhance independence.
We administer a rent-to-own program for our consumers, that provides a low cost way to acquire mobility aids and other items that enhance independence.
Housing Modification & ADA Technical Assistance
The Independent Living Center provides expert advice on accessibility for residences and business. We have experience with residential modifications that are tailored to the individual's needs. We know from personal experience that specifications spelled out in the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines do not always work for an individual in their own home. We will work with you to find the right design to provide the maximum accessibility in your home. Here are some links to resources for funding housing modifications.
Business owners can get advice on barrier removal. We can help you to remove both architectural barriers and barriers to communication. We take pride in finding the most cost-effective method of barrier removal for the small business owner. Contact Jim for more information (800) 770-7911 0r (907) 235-7911 e-mail
Recreation
T.R.A.I.L.S. — Total Recreation And Independent Living Services — is responsible for recreation programs that are designed to support individuals with disabilities. Everyone wants to participate in recreation activities in the community, with friends & family. Our programs are geared towards integration—T.R.A.I.L.S is a community recreation program! T.R.A.I.L.S. has four main components:
Contact the Homer Office (800) 770-7911 or (907) 235-7911 and ask for either Hillary e-mail or Kate e-mail for more information.