Frequently Asked Questions
What is independent living?
Essentially, it is living just like everyone else – having opportunities to make decisions that affect one’s life, able to pursue activities of one’s own choosing – limited only in the same ways that one’s nondisabled neighbors are limited.
Independent living should not be defined in terms of living on one’s own, being employed in a job fitting one’s capabilities and interests, or having an active social life. These are aspects of living independently. Independent living has to do with self-determination. It is having the right and the opportunity to pursue a course of action. And, it is having the freedom to fail – and to learn from one’s failures, just as nondisabled people do.
There are, of course, individuals who have certain mental impairments which may affect their abilities to make complicated decisions or pursue complex activities. For these individuals, Independent Living means having every opportunity to be as self-sufficient as possible.
– Source: ILRU at Texas Institute for Rehabilitation
What is an independent living center?
An independent living center (ILC or CIL) is a consumer-directed non-profit organization that provides an array of services, including peer support, information and referral, independent living skills training, advocacy, community education, personal care, and service coordination. Independent Living Centers can also provide information and access to Assistive Technology.
How do Independent Living centers differ from other service organizations?
There are many different types of organizations which serve people with disabilities – state, vocational rehabilitation agencies, group homes, rehabilitation hospitals, sheltered workshops, nursing homes, senior centers, home health care agencies, and so forth. These organizations provide valuable services and are important links in the network of services that help people with disabilities maintain independent lifestyles.
What makes Independent Living centers very different from these other organizations is that centers have substantial involvement of people with disabilities making policy decisions and delivering services. Why this emphasis on control by people with disabilities? The basic idea behind Independent Living is that the ones who know best what services people with disabilities need in order to live independently are disabled people themselves.
– Source: ILRU at Texas Institute for Rehabilitation
Can I live at New Horizons Independent Living Center?
New Horizons is non-residential. New Horizons provides services to individuals with all types of disabilities to increase their ability to live independently in their own homes.
What kind of disability do I have to have to qualify?
We serve people with any type of disability, including physical, mental, and sensory. No medical examination is required.
How much will service at New Horizons cost me?
There is no cost to the consumer for independent living services. Most of our attendant programs, except private pay, are covered under Medicaid or another funding source.
Where are you located?
We have offices in Shreveport, Alexandria, and Monroe. We invite you to visit the nearest office but suggest that you call ahead first to ensure that staff is available to serve you.
What age groups does New Horizons serve?
New Horizons serves adults with all types of disabilities, as well as high school students with disabilities who are transitioning to the community and to the workforce.