Freedom Valley : Promoting the Flight Toward Independence
These are some of our programs and services:
Core Independent Living Services:
Information and Referral
Peer-Support Counseling
Advocacy: Individual and Systems
IL Skills Training
Community Services
Resource Center
Community Education
Technical Assistance
Additional Programs and Services
Our Core Independent Living Services
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are community-based, not-for-profit organizations operated by and for individuals with disabilities. Freedom Valley Disability Center began as a satellite of the Philadelphia CIL in 1986.
It has been providing services, as a freestanding CIL, since 1993 to persons with disabilities in the four suburban counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery. We provide four main Core Independent Living Services of Information and Referral, Peer-Support, Advocacy and Independent Living Skills Training.
Approximately 1,200 persons per year call Freedom
Valley for information on various disability-related issues
and services. A data bank is available on-site and contains thousands of resources to which callers can be referred.
This service is a departure from traditional counseling. It offers a person with a disability the opportunity to discuss personal problems with someone who has shared similar experiences and can, thereby, recommend credible solutions. This is offered in both individual and group settings.
Advocacy: Individual & Systems
The CIL assists individuals in cutting through the “red tape” that often separates persons with disabilities from the benefits, products or services that best meet their needs. In the process, individuals are shown how to advocate for themselves.
The Statewide Action Team members work on making changes to policies and procedures at the local, state and federal level to promote community access.
IL (Independent Living) Skills Training
Freedom Valley has developed a series of modules focusing on various aspects of life. They include housing resources, home management, nutrition and meals, health and wellness, personal finances, social, communications and mobility issues as well as the Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) and other areas of life skills management. This training enhances a person’s ability to take charge of his or her own life.
Freedom Valley assists local businesses and organizations by providing technical assistance and serving as a resource to the community at large.
In conjunction with its information database, Freedom Valley is developing an extensive library of various books, other printed materials and video tapes to assist people in their awareness, knowledge and understanding of disability issues. The center also offers an assortment of used equipment which can be loaned to persons on a limited basis.
Freedom Valley recognizes that the need to educate society about disability issues and the part it plays in creating a “barrier-free” world is as great as preparing persons with disabilities to access it. Therefore, the CIL works with businesses, housing agencies, transit authorities, public officials and the community-at-large to create an awareness and understanding.
Complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Housing Act and other legislation affecting people with disabilities can be a complicated process. Therefore, Freedom Valley offers its expertise on a fee-for-service basis to businesses, contractors, government, housing, service agencies and other interested parties.
Additional Program and Services
* Peer and Parent Mentoring
* Deaf/HOH Outreach
* Assistive Technology Lending Library
* Equipment Loan Program
* Resource Database and Library
* Home Modifications Program
