WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL 2010
On Saturday, April 24, 2010 LIFE Center for Independent Living hosted a wheelchair basketball game with players from the University of Illinois Wheelchair Basketball Teams and a team called the "Farm Boys" from State Farm Activities Association.

All of the proceeds from this event benefited LIFE Center for Independent Living. We were able to raise over $6,000 at this year's event. This money will be used to support the services LIFE Center provides to people with disabilities in DeWitt, Ford, Livingston and McLean Counties.

Thank you to all of the businesses, organizations, and individuals that sponored, donated, volunteered, participated and came to the event!
Without you, this would not have been possible.
We appreciate all of your support!

You can view photos taken at the event by visiting Bloomington Photographic Studios. Click on Gallery, then LIFE Center 2010.



HAVING TROUBLE HEARING ON THE PHONE?
Illinois has a program to help! You can get a FREE amplified phone through the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC). It's easy to qualify.

You must:

• be a legal resident of Illinois;
  
• have your doctor or audiologist sign the application certifying that you are hard-of-hearing;
  
• have standard phone service in your residence.

There are no age or income restrictions.

There is some information you will need to submit to ITAC to get a phone:

• 1. Completed application--you fill out the front, your doctor or audiologist has to fill out the back certifying you have a hearing loss.
  
• 2. A copy of your most recent phone bill--the pages that include your name, address, taxes and fees.
  
• 3. Proof of identification--this can be a copy of your driver's license, state ID card OR a piece of mail showing the same address as the application.

LIFE Center for Independent Living is a selection center for these phones. You can go to either the Bloomington or the Pontiac office during regular business hours to see and test the four amplified phones you have to choose from and select which phone works best for you.

To receive an application or if you have questions or concerns, please contact Brianne.


NEED A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER?

LIFE Center for Independent Living does not provide sign language interpreters, but we can direct you to the website that provides all of the information you need to hire an interpreter in the state of Illinois.

There are two steps to finding an interpreter.
First you must determine what level(s) of interpreters are qualified to do the job you need them for, this brochure explains the levels.
Then you need the list of interpreters to contact them and find out if they are available for the date and time you need them. You are able to hire any interpreter you wish, as long as they are within the level(s) you need for the job.

All of this information and more can be found on the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing's website. If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact Brianne or contact Dana at LIFE Center for Independent Living.

LIFE Center for Independent Living advances equality and integration of all persons with disabilities. To achieve this mission, we:

in DeWitt, Ford, Livingston and McLean Counties.

LIFE Center for Independent Living serves persons of all ages with all kinds of disabilities in DeWitt, Ford, Livingston and McLean Counties in Illinois. We also provide community services that promote accessibility and break down attitudinal barriers.

Bloomington: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Monday through Friday

Pontiac: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, Monday through Thursday


You may request appointments during evening hours if needed. LIFE Center also offers workshops, and hosts disability support groups during evening and weekend hours. Press the Center Activities button on the left to view our calendar of events.

LIFE Center for Independent Living is a community-based, not-for-profit, non-residential organization that was founded in 1985. LIFE Center promotes disability rights, equal access, and full community participation for persons with disabilities. We empower individuals with disabilities to take charge of their lives and make their own choices and decisions in order to be as self-sufficient as possible. We lead efforts to break down barriers and prejudices within our communities. When these barriers are removed and prejudices are replaced with positive attitudes, persons with disabilities will have equal access to society. LIFE Center is associated with a national movement of almost 500 Centers for Independent Living. These Centers are advocacy-based organizations governed and operated by persons with disabilities for persons with disabilities.

Press the "Contact Us" button on the left to contact individual staff members.