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Guided Independent Living Assessment (GILA)

This six-week program gives young adults with disabilities in Wichita, Kansas, the chance to try independent living in a controlled environment.

Overview
Program Objectives
FAQ
Resources & Forms
Program Partners
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Play GILA Program Apartment Tour

Independent Living Program for Young Adults With Disabilities

For young adults with disabilities and their parents/caregivers, living independently comes with greater concerns than it does for non-disabled adults. These concerns often keep people at home after reaching adulthood and can prevent them from achieving their independence goals.

CPRF’s Guided Independent Living Assessment (GILA) program gives young adults with disabilities the chance to try independent living in a safe environment. Participants gain experience living at The Timbers — an accessible apartment community owned by CPRF.

The Timbers is located at 2021 North Old Manor Road in Wichita, Kansas.

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An Opportunity to Try Independent Living

Each six-week session includes four participants who reside at The Timbers in two fully furnished, two-bedroom apartments. The program also includes a mentor who lives at The Timbers. The mentor can provide general tips for daily living and forming relationships.

The GILA program measures readiness for independent living and lays a foundation of basic skills. By the end of the program, participants should have an increased awareness of how to live on their own and a plan for community living and participation.

Program Objectives

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The GILA program:

  • Addresses the need for a methodology that measures the readiness of individuals with disabilities to live independently in the community
  • Provides individualized and group instruction to address skills gaps
  • Creates personalized plans for future independent living
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This program will:

  • Assess the readiness of participants to live independently in the community
  • Provide an immersive independent living experience
  • Create a plan for community living and participation
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Assessments consist of:

  • Using public transportation
  • Safety at home and in the community
  • Cooking and housekeeping
  • Financial management and planning
  • Building healthy relationships and communication
  • Self-care (wellness, emotional management, etc.)
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Ryan’s Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What's the GILA schedule structure?

    • Daily class instruction, covering a variety of topics relating to life skills
    • Daily coaching and practice of skills
    • Meal planning and weekly grocery shopping
    • Three public transportation field trips using the Wichita Public Transit
    • Attend social events and activities at The Timbers (optional)
    • Meet with mentors for additional coaching
    • Work out in our Exercise & Wellness facility, or swim in our campus pool (both are optional; swimming is seasonal)

  • What time are the classes?

    Throughout the six weeks, participants attend daily classes and activities led by a dedicated GILA Facilitator. Mornings from 9:00–11:00 a.m. are reserved for structured classroom instruction that builds core independent living and financial skills, while afternoons from 1:00–4:00 p.m. are available for individualized support. During this time, participants may meet one-on-one with the GILA Facilitator or be observed as they practice independent living in real-world settings. Participants also have the option to engage in activities happening on the Timbers campus at that time.

  • Can I work while in the program?

    Yes, however work schedules cannot interfere with classes or field trips.

  • How are roommates picked?

    We will match you up with someone of the same gender. In the event that we have four females or four males, we will try to choose a housemates based on which personalities we think will be the most compatible.

     

     

  • I have an aide who helps me at my home. Can they still help me?

    Yes! They can also work their night shift, but will not be provided with a bed, or a place to sleep.

  • Can I leave on the weekends?

    Yes, please provide advance notice to your roommate and GILA instructor that you will be leaving campus.

  • Can I bring my pet?

    No, pets are not permitted inside of the GILA apartments. Your pet may visit you outside on a leash though.

  • Can guests spend the night?

    No, GILA participants may have visitors for two hours per day, adhering to a 9 PM curfew.

  • Can we bring our own spending money?

    Yes! Please do bring a small amount of money for discretionary spending.

  • Do you provide meals and cleaning for us?

    No, participants are responsible for their own meal preparation and cleaning as part of their skill development.

  • Where do I go after finishing the program?

    After graduating the program, you can return home, unless you have made arrangements to live elsewhere.

Resources & Forms

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GILA Program Application

This is a fillable application packet for the GILA program. Applications require a physical signature (no digital signatures).

To apply:

  • Print, complete, and sign the application. You can either scan the completed application and submit it online via our Contact page, or mail it to 5111 E 21st St N, Wichita, KS 67208.
  • For questions, please call (316) 688-1888.
View/Download Application
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GILA Fact Sheet

Learn more about GILA program highlights, training and admissions criteria.

View/Download Fact Sheet

Program Partners

This program was created with the Wichita State University College of Applied Studies Intervention Services and Leadership in Education (ISLE) Department through the A.R.I.S.E. Research Collaborative.

This program is funded in part by United Way.