VFI – Independence Isn't 'One-Size-Fits-All'

By Lois Thomson

According to Steve Johnson, the mission of Voices for Independence (VFI) is "to empower people with disabilities and promote independent living." However, Johnson, director of marketing for VFI in both Washington, Pa. and Erie, is quick to point out that "independence is personalized, it isn't a one-size-fits-all, it looks different for everyone."

He explained that independence might mean anything from living alone, or having home care to enable someone to live in a home, or finding new employment, or learning how to advocate for themselves; VFI can assist in all of those areas and more. Johnson said, however, that there may be misconceptions associated with those.

As an example, he said that some people might think that a person with a disability means "inability." Johnson commented that in his domain, "I observe that the barriers people face are created by the environment around them, not by the disability itself." He said a barrier could be inaccessible housing, but VFI can introduce the person to someone in the home modification department who can build a ramp or make a bathroom accessible.

Or a person who has been discriminated against regarding employment can engage VFI's employment services department to help them navigate new waters or advocate for themselves. Or someone might need assistive technology to help overcome barriers that would prevent them from living independently. Johnson emphasized, "We're looking to equip individuals with tools and resources and support so they can make their own decisions. We're not trying to control anybody's life."

He added that another positive thing about coming to VFI for assistance is that, as a Center for Independent Living, more than half of the staff are individuals with disabilities. "You're going to be talking with a team that has experience in helping others navigate waters they've encountered. It builds trust with folks when they say, 'I was in your shoes and here's what I did, it's possible.'"

Johnson said, too, that independence can change over time because life is not static. "Needs can change and evolve, and support needs to change and evolve with those needs." For example, someone may acquire an unexpected disability through an accident or a change in medical condition. "The goal is to connect with people early so when they hear anything disability-related, they know who to contact and can hit the ground running."

In summarizing, Johnson said, "Independence is about dignity and choice and opportunity. Everybody deserves the ability to live life the way they choose, and our role is to help make that possible – whatever that looks like for them."

Some of the services provided by Voices For Independence include:

  • Home Care

  • Nursing Home Transition

  • Home Modifications

  • Independent Living Skills Training

  • Peer Support

  • Assistive Technology

  • Employment Services

  • Health & Wellness

  • Adaptive Fitness (in-house accessible gym*)

  • Information & Referral

  • Advocacy Programs

  • Housing/ Housing Discrimination Support

  • Internet Access (in-house internet café*)

  • Waiver Enrollment Support

*Sponsored by UPMC Health Plan

For more information, call (724) 223-5115 or visit vficil.org