When asked to elaborate, Hughes says people oftentimes acquire disabilities and become hospitalized. "It's all too convenient for hospital discharge planners to stick them in nursing homes and for them to get lost without any support system," he said.

The placement in a nursing home of an individual who can lead an independent life in the community is both inappropriate and costly, according to independent living center officials.

The cost of keeping a person with quadriplegia who requires 24 hour live-in provider care in a nursing home is about $87,000 annually, while the cost for the same individual living in an apartment in the community is about $33,000.

The institutional lifestyle creates various undue limitations on residents, who experience a deterioration in health, resulting in an increase in hospitalizations and deaths.

"Everybody wants out," Hughes said. "We have waves of people calling us," after finding out about Progressive Independence, usually by word of mouth, he said.

PI handles 3,000 to 3,500 calls a year seeking services information, according to Helen Kutz, assistant director of PI.

"That's when our services and programs come into play," Kutz said.

PI works with housing authorities in Oklahoma City and Norman, using rental assistance vouchers, Kutz said.

Other programs include Continuum of Care, Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy, Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Shelter Grant, Shelter Plus Care, HOPE, HOME Investment Partnership programs and other federally funded housing programs. PI recently was awarded a Living Choices grant, assisting people with disabilities in making the transition from nursing homes back into the community.

"We serve Cleveland, Oklahoma, McClain, Pottawatomie and Canadian Counties," Kutz said.

Counselors help consumers access Norman's Section 8 program, Kutz said. The PI program uses a housing program for up to 11 people a year in Norman. Another 25 vouchers are available in Oklahoma City, she said.

Additionally, PI has taken over the United Way equipment loan closet, distributing canes, crutches, walkers, "portapotties," transfer shower benches, portable ramps and other items.

According to Lew Blockcolski, PI research and development specialist, the equipment loans have doubled in a year's time.

PI also assists about 400 people with disabilities who work and receive Social Security benefits.

Community Work Incentive Coordinator Janice Oak said she helps beneficiaries on Social Security Disabilities Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.