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An Independent Woman
Most people like to think of themselves as "independent" individuals. Take a moment to step into the shoes of a person like Yamilet Rivera, whose everyday routine is full of physical challenges, and you may reconsider just how independent you really are.
Being "independent" is relative. We're all dependent on others in different ways, but when an individual lives with speech and body movement limitations -- common conditions of cerebral palsy -- that dependence can be overwhelming unless there's a strong will to live life to the fullest despite those limitations.
Yamilet Rivera has that will, and a lively sense of humor to go along with it. She's a 23-year-old "independent" woman living in a group home operated by Our Lady of the Wayside, commuting on RTA paratransit transportation and working at the Southwest Adult Activities Center, where she does assembly piece work.
She's participated over several years in Services for Independent Living, Inc.'s Independent Living Skills Training, a program supported by United Way of Greater Cleveland. Services for Independent Living, Inc. initially worked with Yamilet to familiarize her with using public transit to build her confidence to get out into the community.
Her Own Phone
When Yamilet moved out of her parents' house into the group home in late 2004, she hadn't yet learned certain basic living skills she would need for the years ahead. Since then, with help from the Independent Living Skills Training program, Yamilet has learned how to use the microwave oven to heat lunch for herself and can now fold clothing and blankets, making her bedroom a lot neater than in the past. Lisa Marn, SIL's director of peer support services, taught Yamilet about counting money and making change. Yamilet has expressed a desire to learn budgeting skills as well. She's saving money to pay for her own phone line in the group home.
Sue Rankin, direct support manager of the home, says, "Yamilet can talk on the phone for many hours -- that's one of her favorite things to do. So a private phone line will be more practical for her than a cell phone, which would really be a financial disaster." Yamilet protests, but her laughter gives her away. Yamilet also loves to shop for clothes, especially purses and shoes, so those budgeting lessons can't come too soon.
We Deliver
Yamilet's first job was at United Cerebral Palsy, doing assembly work much like what she currently does. It was there during her lunch breaks that Lisa met with Yamilet to teach her some of those basic living skills that most of us take for granted. The Independent Living Skills Training program takes the instruction to its clients, one-on-one whenever possible, working around the individuals' work schedules or daily routines.
Lisa Marn has worked at Services for Independent Living, Inc. for the past 10 years, has a master's degree in rehabilitation and counseling -- and has cerebral palsy. As the agency's director of peer support services and an individual who personally experiences the everyday challenges of physical disability, she believes that people with disabilities are uniquely suited to the task of helping others with disabilities. "Because we experience what they're going through," says Lisa, "we're able to relate to them better."
What Independence Means
"I need help with everything I do," Lisa continues, "however, I'm very independent -- I'm able to do what I want done. Independence for people with disabilities is really about having more control of their lives, even though they may still need some assistance from others."
"Yamilet has become more assertive since participating in our program" says Lisa. "I teach people how to stand up for themselves. And living independently in the group home in itself has made Yamilet more assertive. She's a hard worker too."
Services for Independent Living, Inc.'s Independent Living Skills Training program teaches skills to persons with disabilities to facilitate their independence. One-on-one sessions assist with accomplishing the individual's independent living goals. Session topics and skills include self-advocacy, assertiveness, transportation, food preparation, laundry, money management and budgeting. For more information about Services for Independent Living, Inc. and its programs, call 216-731-1529 (V/TTY) or visit www.sil-oh.org.
United Way of Greater Cleveland funds the Independent Living Skills Training program of Services for Independent Living, Inc., as well as nearly 180 other health and human service programs, helping more than 400,000 people in our community each year. To find out how you can help the United Way of Greater Cleveland 2007-2008 Campaign, call 216-436-2100 or donate securely online now.
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