What is Independent Living?

Philosophy

Independent living is about having the right to make choices, to make one's own mistakes, and to learn from them in the same way that people without disabilities can. People with disabilities must be empowered to take control over their own lives.

"CILs promote a philosophy of consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and systems advocacy in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the main stream of American society." (RSA, 1992)

History

The first CILs were established in the early 1970s, and were defined much as they are today as consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential, private, nonprofit agencies.

To learn more about the history of independent living see:

"The IL Movement: A History" by Maggie Shreve

ACIL: "History of Independent Living" by Gina McDonald and Mike Oxford

ILUSA: Ed Roberts, "The Father of Independent Living"

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 remodelers may also be utilized.

Directory of CILs

There are currently 10 CILs in Ohio and 3 branch offices. These Centers provide individualized services including community education and public information services, and information about equipment loans, home modifications, and recreational activities.