Peer Counseling and Independent Living Skills Training, Galax

Appalachian Independence Center, Inc. (AIC) staff members who have disabilities draw upon their own experiences to counsel and encourage others with disabilities. This informed perspective allows for exploration of options, setting goals, and solving problems.

AIC’s Independent Living Advocates (ILA) work one-on-one with consumers, establishing goals to achieve independence and develop strategies to reach those goals. Once those goals are achieved, ILAs help to put supports in place to insure continued independence.

AIC staff members provide individualized instruction in independent living skills. By setting achievable goals and creating custom programs, AIC helps people with disabilities master necessary skills. Independent living skills includes basic tasks that lead to independence such as doing laundry, cooking, cleaning, budgeting, computer skills, resume formatting and employment readiness.