WHAT ARE CILS?

The term Center for Independent Living, (CIL) or Independent Living Center describes a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. CILs are designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provide an array of independent living services.

The Centers for Independent Living (or CILs) provide the core services of independent living.

• Information and Referral (Connecting people who have disabilities to programs and services that help them live independently.)
• Individual and Systems Advocacy (Teaching individuals about self-determination strategies and addressing physical and attitudinal barriers in society.)
• Skills Training (Providing one-on-one and group training to assist consumers to live independently.)
• Peer Support (Providing peer mentoring and support to consumers who are learning to live independently, from role models who have been there.)
• Transition (Assisting consumers with moving from nursing homes to less restrictive living arrangements, such as a home or apartment; from youth to adulthood; and from rehabilitation settings to the community.)