Independent Connection outlines free independent‑living services, opens Concordia office

Alyssa Boyles, community engagement coordinator for Independent Connection, told the Salina Accessibility Advisory Committee that the nonprofit provides six core independent‑living services across nine North‑Central Kansas counties and opened a Concordia office in March 2025.

Why it matters: Independent Connection’s outreach and no‑cost services expand local access to supports that help people with disabilities live independently and participate in community life.

At the May meeting, Boyles described the organization as “a center for independent living, also known as a SIL,” and said Independent Connection is a private nonprofit that is consumer controlled, community based, cross‑disability, and nonresidential. She said the group expects to have 14 staff once fully staffed and that at least 51% of its staff and board are people with disabilities.

Boyles summarized the organization’s six core services: advocacy; information and referrals; peer support; independent living skills training; youth transition services; and help returning home from institutions or hospitals. She said the services are offered to people of any age and are free to individual consumers. On youth transition work, she said the program serves roughly ages 10 to 24.

Boyles also described additional supports the group offers, including referrals for employment services and assistive technology, help finding accessible housing, and community education presentations. She said Independent Connection recently began a partnership with the YMCA for a health and wellness peer group and runs a “living well with a disability” peer program.

The group charges one fee‑for‑service: an accessibility review for businesses or partners seeking an assessment to prepare for ADA compliance. Boyles said the review is the organization’s only paid service.

She announced community activities: a poster contest (third year) with submission details on the organization’s website, and an ADA anniversary celebration set for July 25 at the Smoky Hill Museum where contest winners will be displayed and prizes awarded.

During a short question‑and‑answer period, Boyles confirmed the group does not maintain assistive equipment in‑house but refers people to local partners (for example, Solution Outreach Center) that provide assistive technology. She also said the group is hiring and plans further school outreach through its youth transition network.

The committee did not take formal action on the presentation; members thanked Boyles and encouraged staff to consider future educational presentations from Independent Connection.