Since 1989 MOCEANS has served people with disabilities living in Monmouth and Ocean Counties of NJ. Our mission is to support choice, promote public awareness, and barrier-free access in the community while advancing the Independent Living Philosophy in the lives of all people with disabilities. Independent Living is a philosophy and a movement of people with disabilities who work for self-determination, equal opportunities and self-respect. Independent Living means that we demand the same choices and control in our everyday lives that non-disabled people take for granted. MOCEANS CIL is a consumer-driven organization run by and for people with disabilities. The consumer is at the center of the five core services: • ADVOCACY (INDIVIDUAL & SYSTEMS) Individual advocacy allows staff members to assist a consumer with an issue that directly impacts his/her life. Systems advocacy is when consumers work together to bring about changes in the community that improve the lives of all persons with disabilities. • INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS Information shared to increase independence in daily living, including social and basic living skills, to groups and individuals. IL skills instruction is specially designed to the needs of the individual. • INFORMATION & REFERRAL We maintain a current directory of local service providers and contacts so that consumers can readily have access to the information most relevant to their particular needs. • PEER SUPPORT The sharing of experiences by individuals with disabilities done on a one-on-one basis or in a group setting. Personal experiences are emphasized to support others facing problems and issues relating to their disability. • TRANSITION Services to prepare youth with disabilities for adult life after school; AND/OR services to assist any person with a disability to leave an institutional setting and live independently in community-based housing. Questions? Call or email today.