NWCCI aids seniors, disabled

RBC I NorthWest Colorado Center for Independence (NWCCI) staff work with seniors and people with disabilities to reach goals for living well in Rio Blanco, Routt, Moffat, Summit and Grand counties.
The two Independent Living coordinators are Jerry Van Voorst and Micheal Bertram. The office manager is Leslie Bensching and the executive director is Ian Engle. NWCCI staff members are happy to meet you where you are and work at your pace to reach your goals, Engle said.
NWCCI provides advocacy, peer support, information and referral, independent living-skills building, and low-vision services (including access to assistive technology and training on how to use it)
“Some of the augmentative services we provide include access to social and recreational opportunities and working together with community partners to a more inclusive and accessible community for all,” Engle said, adding that NWCCI works with people who have goals to transition from nursing homes and explore options for living well in the community and those who have a goal to maintain a place in the community.
NWCCI has been investing time in Rio Blanco County with two peer support groups meeting on the third Monday of every month – in Rangely at Radino Senior Center at 10:30 a.m. and in Meeker at the Meeker Public Library at 2 p.m. The topics include emergency preparedness, cooking tips for people living with low vision and information on Assistive Technology gadgets and devices.
The NWCCI is one of 10 Independent Living Centers (ILCs) in Colorado and hundreds across the nation. ILCs were formed out of a civil rights movement resulting in the passage of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, defending our right as American citizens to life, liberty and the pursuit happiness, regardless of age or ability.
At least 51 percent of the board and 51 percent of the staff must have a disability to be a certified as an ILC, the advantage being trust and the ability to share experience, strength and hope.
To learn more about the NWCCI, please call 970-871-4838.