The Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL) recently expanded two of their programs, the Assistive Technology and Home Access Programs.

The Ocean State Center for Independent Living began in 1988 and “addresses barriers to independence for persons with a disability.”

Services include, peer support, home access modifications, advocacy, peer support, specialized services for the deaf and hard of hearing, and various other programs.

Lorna Ricci, executive director of OSCIL, said, “Sometimes our programs can be the difference between someone remaining independent in their own home and having to move into an assisted living facility or even a nursing home.”

The expansion of the two programs comes after the PARI Independent Living Center closed its doors.

Ricci said that although OSCIL is not taking on PARI’s responsibilities, they “hope to continue services for the customers who had been attending the PARI center.” Oftentimes the very things that help someone live independently end up helping improve the overall quality of life.

Ricci shared a story of a woman who, because of a visual impairment, purchased a closed circuit television (CCTV) to help better see and stay in control of her own finances. A CCTV helps enhance images by magnifying them while also having choices of color differentiation to personalize images for the viewer. With this device not only was the woman more capable of handling her bills and writing checks, but also she could once again read to her grandchildren, a favorite pastime of hers.

“We often see people come in with a specific task or two that they want addressed with assistive technology. Then they find so many other ways that same technology can improve their quality of life.”

Now, the Assistive Technology program is expanding. OSCIL has more devices for independent living in their offices.

Similarly, on Tuesdays, the center will be open for walk-ins who want to try some devices before purchase. Professionals will be available to discuss various devices and which would be most appropriate for the customer.

OSCIL, although open for walk-ins on Tuesdays, still stresses the importance of making an appointment first, though. These appointments usually include a professional going to the customer’s home for an evaluation.

“People don’t know what they don’t know,” Ricci sad. “We often find in doing a full home assessment that there are so many other simple devices that can help improve someone’s independence and safety.”

Ricci said that one customer during an evaluation happened to mention she used to make soup for lunch, but due to limited hand mobility from arthritis they could no longer work a can opener.

OSCIL was able to find a special can opener for that person so that they can enjoy a hearty lunch of soup without issue.

The Home Access program helps to modify homes, such as widening doorways to better fit wheelchairs, constructing wheel chair ramps and bathroom modifications.

The program is bringing on a new Home Access Assistant and Specialist in hopes to reach more people with home modifications.

A prolonged process, OSCIL, did 37 significant remodels their last fiscal year.

Ricci said, “People with a disability want to keep up their quality of life. They want to stay in the home or a neighborhood they love, where they feel comfortable and supported.”

“It’s exciting to take part in this process and see the results of people with disabilities living independently. It is rewarding work,” Ricci said.

Eligibility requirements for the Assitive Technology Program are (1) the presence of a disability, (2) motivation to actively participate in the independent living program (the individual needs to request the service, not a caregiver), and (3) the individual must meet income guidelines – (if not met, OSCIL will assist in locating other resources.)

A doctor’s note, to assure safety, is required for all mobility devices such as walkers, canes, etc.

A Home Assessment can be arranged by calling the OSCIL office at 738-1013 for further information.

For further information on OSCIL’s services please feel free to call 738-1013 or visit our website at www.oscil.org. The offices are located at 1944 Warwick Ave, Warwick.