Independent living program
SWCI Programs
Independent Living Services
SWCI has a team of Independent Living Specialists with various programs and expertise to support you in breaking down your barriers to being more independent, included, and in charge of your own life. All of our IL services are available in our 5 county region and are free of charge to you. Please contact us at 970.259.1672 for more information and to be referred to one of our Specialists.
SW Center for Independence
Information & Referral
If you have questions about where to go for help, what SWCI can do for you, or what your options are, please call or drop by SWCI during regular operating hours. You do not need an appointment to speak with an Information & Referral Specialist. Our Specialist will introduce you to what is available at SWCI plus give you information about local resources and community services that may benefit you. We can also provide options counseling support. If your wishes involve more than a couple phone calls, we will ask you to complete an Intake and talk about your personal goals.
SW Center for Independence
Peer Counseling, Individual and Systems Advocacy, & Independent Living Skills Training
At SWCI, we do not have a menu of services for you to choose from. Instead, we work with you to determine what you want to work on and how we can help you get there. People’s goals are as varied as you might imagine – we have assisted people with getting benefits, finding a job, making friends, publishing a book, starting a business, finding assistive technology, and just about anything else you can imagine. We help you with your goals through our core services including hooking you up with people with similar disabilities and issues, teaching you to advocate for yourself and helping you eliminate the barriers that have been put in your way, and teaching you how to manage your life in a way that works for you.
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Check out swCI’s Low Vision services
Volunteer Readers
Daily Living & Independent Skills training
Sighted Guide
SMART Brailler machine
Peer Counseling & Support Groups at regional senior centers
Advocacy for the Vision Impaired and Blind
Information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
In-Service Training & Presentations (provided to other service providers)
Annual Low Vision Expo in Durango and Cortez
Access to in-home assessment and material aids
On-going case management and education
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Check out swci’s Housing services
Monthly Housing 101 class to educate you on the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized units, Housing Choice Vouchers, what you can expect to pay for rent and other things to keep in mind when renting a home
Referrals to other organizations that may be able to offer assistance and services around housing needs
Assist with completing paperwork or applications, if needed due to disability
Assistance in learning to budget your money
Advocacy to assist in resolving landlord and/or tenant issues
Assist in understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant
Assist with housing search and leads
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