Service Coordination
What is Service Coordination?
Service Coordination is one of the core services provided by CILNCP and most Centers for Independent Living (CILs) that persons with disabilities may choose to access when they need help obtaining services to live as independently as possible in the community. Service Coordination is a distinct service that enables persons with disabilities and their families to find, utilize and coordinate available resources and opportunities in their communities on the basis of their individual needs.
What is the role of the CIL Service Coordinator?
Service Coordinators help people with disabilities and their families identify and obtain needed services. Service Coordinators also advocate for, monitor and evaluate services along with families or guardians. A key role of the service coordinator is to assist people with the process and paper work necessary to obtain services and empower the person with the disability, or consumer, with knowledge and tools to access services he/she needs. The system of multiple agencies providing services for people with disabilities can be complex and confusing. People with disabilities or their families often must collect information, fill out forms, make appointments and visit different places before the right services can be obtained. All of this can be time consuming and frustrating. CIL Service Coordinators provide a "single point of entry" into services for the person with the disability.
CIL Service Coordinators are well trained and know the community, individuals and families whom they assist. They are competent, sensitive and committed to representing the interests and preferences of the individual and/or family. Often times, CIL Service Coordinators are people with disabilities and they are experts in providing reliable information, exploring options, coaching and guiding persons with disabilities in making informed decisions and gaining access to services and supports. They also assist in the coordination of service providers to work with the individual toward reaching goals established in the Independent Living Plan, which reflect the personal needs and wishes of the individual. Services are developed around the individual and family rather than trying to fit them into existing services merely because of availability. Service Coordinators utilize and strengthen formal and informal resources. Some informal resources include family, friends, co-workers and neighbors.
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