Our goal is to assist  people with disabilities become more independent when they are given the correct information to advocate for themselves. We will develop and independent living plan with you to help you reach this goal.

Independent Living is about freedom of choice.  It is about being included. It celebrates people with disabilities living a high quality life.

Core Services

Centers for Independent Living provide four core services:

Independent Living Skills Training

Includes classes on how to hire and manage personal assistants or manage a personal household and budget, plus ways to access public transportation systems or deal with discriminatory behaviors. One-on-one and group supports are also available to help people get the skills necessary for independent lifestyles.

Peer Support

Staff members with like disabilities who are living independently are always available to talk with and provide support for consumers. Problem solving in areas such as learning to use community services more effectively, adjusting to a newly acquired disability, or a change in living accommodation are only a few topics that can be discussed. Individual and group support through role models encourages consumers to seek ways to enhance their quality of life and to contribute to their communities.

Advocacy

Centers provide three kinds of advocacy:

• self-advocacy - working with consumers to obtain necessary services from other agencies or to address discriminatory practices;
• community advocacy - staff, board members and volunteers actively pursuing changes in the community that will make independent living attainable for all consumers; and
• systems advocacy - motivating changes and reforms in state and national regulations, laws and systems.

Information and Referral

Centers maintain comprehensive data files on resources in their service areas. Staff can provide information on accessible housing, transportation, available personal care assistants, interpreters or readers. Training materials, lending libraries, equipment or technical resources and lists of contractors or re-modelers may also be utilized.