Independent Living Services

What is the Independent Living Services Program?

The Independent Living Services (ILS) Program assists people who have significant disabilities to live more independently in their homes and communities. The program provides and arranges needed IL services subject to the availability of funds. The program is also an advocacy program for people with disabilities and their families.

Who is eligible for services through this Program?

To be eligible, you must:

  • Have a significant physical or mental disability which severely limits your ability to function independently in your family or community;
  • Be able to function independently in your family or community with assistance from IL services; and,
  • Be able to plan your IL services independently or with assistance.

Eligible individuals are served in the following order:

  1. Adults who will lose their current level of independence and would have to move to a more restrictive setting unless they receive services from the ILS Program.
  2. Adults who, with assistance from the ILS Program, can move to a more independent setting.
  3. Adults who, with assistance from the ILS Program, can overcome a barrier to independent living.
  4. All other eligible individuals.

Please note that there may be a waiting list in place for these services. Contact Alpha One for further information.

How do I apply for Independent Living Services?

DVR receives federal funds for the Independent Living Services Program and contracts out for the provision of services. DVR currently contracts with Alpha One, a Center for Independent Living. To apply for the ILS Program, contact the Alpha One office nearest you at:

Alpha One, South Portland Office

127 Main Street
South Portland, ME 04106

(207) 767-2189 - Voice
(800) 640-7200 - Voice
(207) 799-8346 - Fax
(207) 767-5387 - TTY
(866) 906-5375 - TTY

Alpha One, Bangor Office

1048 Union St, Ste 2
Bangor, ME 04401

(207) 941-6553 - Voice
(877) 229-8954 - TTY
(207) 941-6410 - Fax

http://www.alphaonenow.org

What Services Are Available Through the ILS Program?

All ILS Program services are carried out through an Independent Living Plan that is mutually agreed upon by you and your IL counselor. The four core services that every Independent Living Center provides are:

  • Information and Referral
  • Individual Independent Living Skills Training
  • Peer Counseling
  • Individual and Systems Advocacy

In addition, the ILS Program can purchase a variety of products and services to help you be more independent in your home and/or community. Some examples of products and services available through this program include:

  • Home modifications
  • Hand controls and lifts for vehicles
  • Augmentative Communication Devices
  • Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TTYs)
  • Counseling Services
  • Mobility Training

The ILS Program can not pay for services that are traditionally provided by other state, federal or private agencies. There is a maximum lifetime expenditure of $5,000 allowed for each eligible individual served by the ILS Program.

For more information, and to apply for ILS Program services, contact Alpha One at one of the above listed phone numbers. For more information about Alpha One, you may also go to their web site at http://www.alphaonenow.org

State Independent Living Council

DVR utilizes the input of members of the public and professionals interested in furthering the mission of the Bureau. The State Independednt Living Council meets to provide consultation to the Division in meeting the needs of disabled individuals.