By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
Independent Connection in Salina, ensures that people with disabilities are provided with the resources, information and support they need to live successful independent lives.
Listed as a Center for Independent Living (CIL), Independent Connection works with people of all ages and disabilities to locate services and eliminate physical and philosophical barriers. Emma Shuart, 20 has been with Independent Connection since May and has benefitted from the organization tremendously.
"Independent Connection has supported me with accessing more services in the community and I have learned to advocate for myself," said Shuart. "Together, we set goals for the future to live on my own and have been working to learn the skills I need such as budgeting and other helpful skills. I have a chance to grow and learn with opportunities I would not have known without Independent Connection."
Shuart also officially earned herself a job as a Paraprofessional at Sunset Elementary.
Shuart worked with Youth Outreach Navigator, Amanda Mong. Mong stated they built a very strong relationship ever since Shuart walked through the doors of Independent Connection.
"We were able to have a really good conversation the first time we met," Mong said. "Emma has come a long way, she was very shy when I met her the first time and she has had alot of opportunities to grow in that."
Mong commented that Shuart has taken full initiative throughout her time with Independent Connection.
"She has driven this whole process and I did not come in with any preconceived notions like, oh you need to get a job right now because you want to live on your own, that was just part of the conversation that happened," she said. "Those were her goals that she set forward to achieve and did achieve."
Mong added that Shuart was very active in the newly developed Saline County Transition Council services by advocating and providing a positive example for other youth/young adults with disabilities.
Executive Director, Angie Saenger stated they value strong connections with each of their consumers.
At the state level, Senator Roger Marshall is actively engaging with CIL's. According to the Office of Senator Marshall, he and his staff have been in 'communication with the Kansas Association of CIL's and will continue to engage with their member organizations across the state.'
Click here to visit the Independent Connection website.