Programs and Services How to apply for services

SVILC offers community members the ease of receiving multiple services in one place. With locations in San Jose and Gilroy, this "one-stop" access to services offers solutions to people throughout Santa Clara County. Approximately 83 percent of SVILC community members use more than one service. Scroll down through the list below to read about the programs and services offered at SVILC.

Accessible, Tagged, Downloadable flyers here: General Agency Olmstead Deinstitutionalization Youth United

Click this link to go to SVILC's Youth United web page

Advocacy – Self and Systems Change
Self-advocacy: We strongly value empowering people with disabilities to know their rights and how to advocate for them when they are subject to a societal or governmental injustice. Our self-advocacy services are available to community members who request assistance navigating complex systems of bureaucracy and legal jargon, so that they have an opportunity to achieve their desired outcome. We can also refer them to outside agencies if needed.

Systems Change advocacy: Within the local, state or federal levels, we work to improve the laws, policies, regulations and services that affect the day-to-day lives of people with disabilities. High priority issues include those of access, voting, the Olmstead Act, affordable housing, social services budget cuts and accessible transportation. We encourage the participation of all members of our community interested in furthering the rights of people with disabilities to do so by getting involved, attending public meetings or giving testimony at public hearings.

Assistive Technology (AT), Adaptive Equipment and Home Modifications
Our AT loan program provides mechanical and electronic devices that can enhance the independent living capabilities of a person with a disability. Our AT lab has computers for community members to use. We also assist in locating financial assistance to install home modifications such as ramps, grab bars and flashing alarms, as well as referral for adaptive vehicle modifications.

Categories of AT include: Aids for daily living, Aids for the deaf/hard of hearing, Aids for the vision impaired, Augmentative or alternative communication, Computer access, Environmental control systems, Home and worksite modification, Prosthetics and orthotics, Seating and positioning, Wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

Benefits Counseling
Community members who receive financial assistance through either federal or state programs can get information and advice on how going back to work will affect their benefits. Such programs include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), food stamps and subsidized housing.

California Community Transitions
This program provides financial assistance and on average, two months of transition coordination for people with disabilities after they leave a nursing home or institution to live in the community-based living of their choice.

Housing Referral and Placement
We provide financial assistance in searching for temporary and permanent affordable, accessible housing options. In addition to our extensive directory of information and referral services, we host housing workshops featuring A Place to Call Home training program.

Beginning July 01, 2011, and until funds are exhausted, SVILC is able to provide one-time financial support for paying a single months rent or security deposit, for eligible community members who require assistance with securing safe, accessible, and affordable housing.

In-Home Supportive Services Support
We assist community members with training and hiring of their personal assistants. We maintain a list of personal care attendants (PCA) who are seeking work.

Information and Referral
We provide information about individual rights, community services, equipment, accessibility, and much more. If we do not have the information or specific service, we locate it and refer you to the appropriate staff or agency that does. This is an on-call service during normal business hours.

Independent Living Skills
We instruct and assist people with disabilities to learn everyday skills needed for daily living, such as meal planning, money management, personal safety, disaster preparedness, self-improvement, social skills, communication and transportation planning.

Olmstead “Transition” Program
Community members who have successfully transitioned from nursing homes or institutions and back into the community of their choice share their knowledge and experience with those who want to transition.

Opportunities for Personal and Community Transformation
As a part of our effort to promote personal transformation, we convene intergenerational discussion groups of people with disabilities and our allies to talk in a safe space about a variety of challenging topics such as the journey from shame to Disability Pride, racism, bioethics, sustainability and globalization.

Peer Mentoring Support
Outreach workers and advocates, who themselves have disabilities, provide peer support and serve as role models for others in the mentoring program, in an “I have been there” approach.

Youth Leadership Program
We offer an eight week leadership training for youth with disabilities where they learn about disability rights in education, employment, independent living and advocacy. In addition, disability history, culture and pride are explored. Upon completion, participants are encouraged to stay involved by becoming peer mentors for the next class.

How do I apply for SVILC services?

You need to call 408.894.9041 (voice) or 866.945.2205 (TTY) and make a request for services. Individuals must self-initiate the request for services; those unable to do so may request services through a chosen representative. The Request for Services Coordinator is available to set up an appointment with you to explore the benefits of receiving services from SVILC.

Does it cost anything?
There is no fee for a request for services appointment or any programs or services provided.

What happens next?
You will complete a 45 - 60 minute appointment and learn about the services and opportunities at SVILC. The staff at SVILC will work with you to create a program that meets your personal needs and goals. Occasionally, staff or budget constraints may create the need for waiting lists, especially in the case of very popular services. SVILC staff members will do their best to facilitate timely access to services.

What if I don't qualify?
If you are a person who lives in Santa Clara County and has a disability, which results in a barrier to independent living, you should be eligible for services.

What are SVILC's privacy practices?
SVILC strives to protect your privacy. Ask about how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information.