A Message from Jimmie Soto, Executive Director
Dear ILCKC Consumers, Supporters and Friends:
On behalf of myself and staff at Independent Living Center of Kern County (ILCKC), I’d like to express my best wishes and tell you where ILCKC is headed in the new year. The core of what we do continues to remained focused on helping all people with disabilities. ILCKC empowers people with disabilities (PWD) to grow and reach their full potential of independence by way of their own choices.
ILCKC continues to offer people with disabilities informed choices so they can live in the community as freely as they choose, and have the options and resources to be self-sufficient. Many PWD may require assistance to tackle daily activities. The may need help in accessing programs, services and required resources needed to: relocate out of a skilled nursing facility, receive a repaired, power chair, access assistive technology (AT) devices or learn how to use an AT device, train on independent living skills, or sit amongst peers for peer mentorship. All these services are available at ILCKC. These programs and services aim to move individuals with disabilities forward to becoming or sustaining their independence.
ILCKC continues to face Federal and State budget cuts and while trying to service the large area of Kern County with limited staff and resources. One way to meet these challenges is to expand and grow our fee-for-service programs which include our Transitions Program, Braille Translation Program, and American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting Service.
I know additional battles may lie ahead, but ILCKC remains devoted to shaping a more empowered and accessible future for all people with disabilities. The types of disabilities people have varies, and the severity of these disabilities also varies. Whatever a person’s disability case may be, ILCKC is here to assist a person live a more independent and integrated life.
As a person with a disability myself, I want to remind people living with a disability that embracing pity and entitlement is toxic to your future. Learn to do as much as you can, on your own, and you don’t have to settle. You can do better and deserve better.
Your Friend,
Jimmie Soto, Executive Director