Centers for Independent Living

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Centers for Independent Living (CILs) were federally established in 1973 under the Rehabilitation Act. They are consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agencies that are designed and operated within local communities by individuals with disabilities. They provide an array of Independent living services.

They provide five core services:

1. Information & referral
2. Independent living skills training
3. Individual and systems advocacy
4. Peer counseling
5. Transition: transition from nursing homes and other institutions to community-based residences; assisting individuals to avoid institutional placement; and transition of youth with significant disabilities after completion of secondary education to postsecondary life.

Resource Links:

• Association of Centers for Independent Living in Washington (ACIL-WA): provides a list, contact information, and counties served, for each of the CILs serving Washington State.
• Washington State Independent Living Council (SILC): a governor-appointed board whose purpose is to promote independent living for persons with disabilities in Washington and to work with the Centers for Independent Living to develop capacity and expand their services. In addition, the SILC monitors, reviews, and evaluates the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL).
• National Council on Independent Living (NCIL): a national membership organization of individuals with disabilities, Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), and other organizations that advocate for the human and civil rights of people with disabilities throughout the United States.
• Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU): provides research, education and consultation in the areas of independent living, home and community-based services, and the Americans with Disabilities Act to CILs and SCILs.
• Under the Workforce innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA), functions related to Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living are being transferred from the U.S. Department of Education and the Rehabilitation Services Administration, to the U.S.
• Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) where the Independent Living Administration will be established within the Administration for Community Living.