Independent Living Services has been a part of the Conway community since 1970. Our mission is to help people with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible within the community.

At the time ILS was created, people with developmental disabilities such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, and related conditions had very limited options: live with family or in an institution. Through the years, communities like ours have realized that we all benefit from having good neighbors, and that people with disabilities are no exception.

A group home for eight men opened thirty years ago, ILS has grown to serve the wide needs of over 200 people today. Each person has a unique plan of care, and each person has services tailor-made to fit his needs.

Residential programs include an intermediate care facility with round-the-clock medical staffing, three group homes, Conway apartments and Greenbrier apartments.  ILS also provides support to people living in their own apartments or homes in the community. Whether an individual needs help with personal care, or just with money management, ILS offers the support necessary to foster independence.

Another service ILS provides is Profiles, an adult development center where participants can experience a wide variety of subjects from sign language to computer skills. Classroom and one-on-one instruction in relationships, cooking, exercise music, art and many other subjects allow participants to learn and grow. The program has a heavy emphasis on skills that help people succeed in the community, so trips to the library, sports center, and other local resources are important learning opportunities.

Another new option offered by ILS is the Home and Community Based Waiver program, which is funded by the state Division of Developmental Disabilities Services. "The Waiver" is a flexible funding source that allows individuals to choose services which best fit their needs. For example, ILS is currently providing services to a young man living with his mother, four women who share a ranch style home in Conway, and a middle-aged gentleman living in an apartment. Services vary according to each person's plan of care, but may include help in preparing meals and doing laundry, personal grooming, or recreation and exercise.

The people ILS serves have been active in the Conway community for years, and we appreciate the support that this community has provided. Many of our Conway neighbors are active as volunteers. If you would like to help others toward independence, whether by serving on our board of directors or by sharing a skill with a willing learner, please contact us.