What Our Clients Say About Us
MyCIL’s Independent Living Testimonials
Since 1988, MyCIL (Northeast PA Center for Independent Living) has been helping people with disabilities live their best, independent lives. Our dedication to improving lives has not gone unnoticed. The testimonials below come from MyCIL’s Independent Living Clients. Also check out the testimonials we received from our ACES$ Clients and the students and families of our Transitional Skills Center.
How Our Services Provide the Disability Help That Change Client Lives and the Advocacy That Improves Our Communities
MyCIL’s Independent Living Testimonials
“I have worked with MyCIL for over 10 years, placing our Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) students with their professionals for internships. Our students benefit from the unique experiences working with a variety of clients that MyCIL provides. MyCIL provides quality services to a diverse population of individuals and has helped our students make the connection between the theory, which they learn in the academic setting, and the practical application of that theory, in a practice situation. The staff is highly qualified and has dedicated individuals who provide excellent supervision of our HDFS students while providing compassionate services to the client populations they serve. I can’t say enough positive things about this wonderful organization.“
~ Janet Ann Melnick, Ph.D., MSW, LSW, Penn State Worthington, Human Development & Family Studies Program
“Keith’s guidance and encouragement was invaluable to me as I learned to advocate for myself. I am stronger with more knowledge and self-confidence. Now I advocate for myself and those around me.”
~ Mary Warnock, MyCIL Client
“Keith and his staff from MyCIL provided the practical nursing students from Fortis Institute with hands-on simulations, involving several different types of disabilities. This experience was both insightful and thought-provoking for our students. I can’t thank Keith and his team enough for the work that they do.”
~ Mary Tencza, MSN, RN; Clinical Coordinator, Fortis Institute Practical Nursing
“The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania, serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, enjoys a long-standing collaboration with MyCIL. MyCIL has proven time and again to be a valuable resource and information clearinghouse on matters related to disability awareness, acceptance, and accommodation. The Arc has frequently directed inquiries on The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to the experts at MyCIL. For many years, The Arc has been invited by MyCIL to participate in the Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities in the city of Scranton, based out of and headed by MyCIL. Recently, The Arc has benefited from the efforts of MyCIL’s home modification program, whose experts in design and building have modified Arc properties to be more accessible for the individuals we serve. The growth of MyCIL’s independent living programs and services in recent years is a testament to the highly valued role this organization plays in our region. The Arc is pleased to partner with such a fine organization!”
~ Patrick T. Quinn, Director of Residential/Adult Day Services, The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania
“I have been inviting Keith to speak to my graduate and undergraduate classes for the past 10 years, and every time I learn something new! Keith has a terrific way of conveying concrete information about MyCIL including history, required services, and new initiatives. He talks about the advocacy work done by MyCIL around issues like voting and the ADA as well as the new programs initiated by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). However, Keith also has a warm and approachable personality which allows him to provide a clear perspective about what it is like to live with a disability in northeast PA. He is open to discussing his care needs, assistive technology and other resources he uses on a regular basis. Students leave class more aware of what MyCIL offers, who works there and most importantly have had a memorable interaction with someone who is an articulate, educated, fun-loving, relatable person who just happens to also live with a disability. It’s always a great use of our time and helps our students make sense of what we are learning in class.“
~ Rebecca Spirito Dalgin, Ph.D., CRC, CPRP; Director, Rehabilitation Counseling Program; Associate Professor, Department of Counseling and Human Services; University of Scranton
“The students at Johnson College’s Physical Therapist Assistant program took part in Project ABLE, provided by staff and support group members from MyCIL. Our students now have a better understanding of the needs and struggles someone with a disability may face. As future healthcare professionals, this experience was extremely beneficial to our students as they continue to develop awareness about compassion, altruism, and social responsibility. We hope MyCIL will continue offering this program to future classes of Physical Therapist Assistant students. We are fortunate to have a local organization that has been improving and enhancing independent living options for people with disabilities in northeastern PA for over 25 years.”
~ Nicole Fabricatore, PTA, BS; Johnson College, PTA Program; Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education
“Your organization has been successful with our students in not only providing them with the skills they need to be successful in school but also the skills that they will need to be successful in their new careers.”
~ Melissa Misterman, Academic Support, McCann School of Business & Technology
“MyCIL recently modified our bathroom to adapt it for our disabled son. Once our home was approved by the State of Pennsylvania for modification, Charlie DeAngelo moved very quickly to evaluate the bathroom to meet our son’s needs. He developed a plan to modify the bathroom. Charlie had his construction specialists, Kirk and Sean, working on the bathroom in a very short time. Kirk and Sean’s work is excellent. They were always professional, friendly and sensitive to our family’s needs. Their workmanship is excellent. The modification was very extensive and complicated. The modification required extending the bathroom and modifying the entrance to my son’s room. Kirk and Sean minimized any impact the construction had on our routine and comfort. They worked quickly, and the final product is outstanding. Our son’s special needs were not just met but exceeded. Charlie, Kirk and Sean adapted to our family and made us feel that they really cared about our son’s needs and that this was not just a job for them. Once the work was done Charlie came by to go over all areas and discuss questions or concerns we might have. We are grateful and more than satisfied with the work done through MyCIL’s Home Modification Department.“
~ Art, Donna and Joey Seymour
“We can’t thank you enough for the beautiful shower modification that you did for Mom. It will make all of our lives much easier. Kirk and Sean were wonderful. Not only do they do exceptional work, but they made the whole process enjoyable.”
~ Nancy and Ed Osburn
Please note: MyCIL and ACES$ are closed for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.