Independent Living Advisors

Core to CPWD’s mission and all of our programs is the principle that people with disabilities should have the resources, information, and skills to make their own choices and live independently.

Our Independent Living Advisors (ILAs) are the first point of contact on this journey and are often the ones who work with consumers continuously to assist them in achieving and maintaining independence

1.

When someone works with CPWD, they meet with an ILA to explore their needs and capacities. This conversation reveals independent living goals, such as getting a job, housing, learning to use public transportation, and more. Every consumer has their own independent living goals, depending on their life circumstances, disability, and needs.

2.

Once the independent living goals have been identified, ILAs help consumers develop an independent living plan, which includes all the steps required to successfully achieve an independent living goal. Many times, part of this plan includes Independent Living Skills Training (ILST).

Independent Living Skills Training

Independent Living Skills Training is training and education in any functional or practical skill that will increase the ability of the consumer to work towards and achieve an independent living goal.

Some examples of Independent Living Skills Training are:

  • CPWD staff member hold a laptop in the Assistive technology library at CPWD's Boulder office

    Assistive Technology

  • A young man with IDD sends a text message on a phone.

    Communications

  • Blind man with a white cane is getting on a bus.

    Transportation

  • A man and a woman sit at a desk together reviewing a budget sheet while using a calculator

    Budgeting

  • Hygiene and Dress

  • Two women work together in the kitchen at the CPWD Boulder office to prepare food.

    Healthy Eating and Food Preparation

  • A man shops for produce at the grocery store

    Shopping

  • A blind woman who participated in Beyond Vision hugs a horse close to her.

    And More!

In addition to ILST, ILAs connect consumers with resources and services outside of CPWD, provide information and education, direct consumers to CPWD Peer Support Groups, and generally assist with all areas of learning and training connected to the consumer’s independent living plan.

Often, our ILAs work with consumers for months and even years. Over time, success in one independent living goal may lead to setting another goal. And even after success, consumers often need ongoing support or follow-up to ensure that they have access to services and resources to maintain independence.

Contact us.

If you or someone you know is interested in working towards independent living, please get in touch with us and ask to talk to one of our ILAs at info@cpwd.org or by filling out the form below.