On January 10, 2017, we met Cole when he came to DCIL to study for his Drivers Permit test. He stated that he had taken this test before and failed. He said that he could read well enough, but did not know enough to pass the permit test. Cole is only 16 years old and […]
On a cool September day Walter entered into DCIL, homeless. He had been referred to us by Social Security for our Representative Payee Services. Walter had been living at Ruth Meier’s Drop in Center and was looking for housing. He had no transportation. This once very hardworking, intelligent man was now walking a different road
Oh, the Missouri River through North Dakota…. my, yes, last summer I made a 38 day descent from Montana to Central, ND. Sacajawea Reservoir is a trip; as is Oahe. But enough about that…. What about the sail, my propulsion?? Wind can be perplexing; contrary, it can test ones patience, acceptance. I decided my sail
Over the past ten years, I have spread the message of autism awareness and acceptance. I was diagnosed with autism at two years old, so World Autism Month is extremely important to me. As a self-advocate, since I speak all year round, my wish is that we will reach a point where everyone in the
What one woman on the spectrum hopes for during World Autism Month Read More »
Menards is TRULY an outstanding business in the Bismarck community. Menards worked with me after my spinal cord injury to maintain employment. In September, I will have been employed there twelve years. I have held many different positions within the company and have enjoyed many. I currently am working in the cabinet and appliance department
It was Christmas time. A time that’s usually full of cheer, but not for Tiffany. Tiffany was 22-years-old, had never been alone before, and was now homeless. Dakota Center for Independent Living (DCIL) immediately sprang into action. Her advocate helped her to apply for housing assistance and searched for available apartments with reasonable rents; however,
Living with disabilities can be more than a little challenging, but with the help of caring people and a little humor, you can still enjoy life. Whether you are dealing with a physical or mental disability, everyday life can be difficult. My name is Tonia and I have Bipolar Disorder and Parkinson’s disease and it
In the summer of 2012, Ardith Williams suffered a stroke that turned her world upside down. It was just another day in the Williams’ residence when Ardith approached her husband, Clifford. She told him that she couldn’t see, she was blind, and she was in pain. Then, all of a sudden, Ardith wasn’t making sense
There is more to Lee than Wilson’s Disease. Lee loves to spend time with his horse and used to be a Bronc rider. He is funny, witty, and always trying to get people to smile. Lee is a 33 year old man with Wilson’s Disease. For those of you who don’t know what it is:
