Individuals with Disabilities
Individuals with Disabilities
Illumination Institute is a strong believer of equity and the idea that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. Therefore, we want to empower children with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their family with the tools necessary to advance themselves despite adversities.
Helping Families Navigate
At Illumination, we acknowledged the multifaceted challenges and underutilization of services that plagued children with disabilities and their families. Therefore, we created the family S.H.A.R.E program to help families decipher and overcome barriers which hinder their progress in education, economic, and individual growth via workshops, mentoring, and training.
Illumination Institute’s goal is to bridge the disconnects for families and empower them to utilize the full spectrum of services and supports of the I/DD community. After all, the pursuit of a fulfilled life despite adversities for I/DD individuals is more than just the service and support provided by the Regional Center. It involves education, health care, civic participation, workforce participation, housing, finance, and the collaboration of multiple organizations. Therefore, Illumination Institute is proposing to utilize its diverse expertise and experience in the aforementioned areas to help families with individuals with disabilities.
Self-Help Advocacy Resource and Empowerment (SHARE) Program:
The SHARE program is a comprehensive, peer-to-peer mentoring initiative designed to support consumers and families from diverse communities in understanding the challenges associated with accessing services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Many families—particularly those from minority communities—face significant barriers to accessing the essential resources they are entitled to. These challenges often stem from systemic issues and a lack of readily available information and guidance.
The Illumination Institute created the SHARE program to address these disparities and empower families by connecting them with mentors who can guide them through the complexities of the system. Our program focuses on improving both access to and utilization of services by educating families about their rights and the resources available to them. Through the SHARE program, we provide support in navigating and acquiring services and supports, including but not limited to:
- Supported Decision-Making Documents: Assistance with understanding and completing essential documents such as Consent Forms, Durable Power of Attorney, and Limited Conservatorship.
- In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Related Social Programs: Guidance on eligibility, application processes, and accessing these vital services.
- Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Individual Program Plan (IPP) Services: Support for families in accessing educational and developmental services and understanding their roles and rights in these processes.
- Ad-Hoc Services for Family and Individual Well-being: Tailored services that support both the family unit and the individual’s overall well-being, addressing unique needs as they arise.
The SHARE program aims to reduce disparities by providing families with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to navigate the complex service landscape. Through our peer-to-peer mentoring model, we help families overcome barriers, advocate for their needs, and connect with community resources that enhance their quality of life.