What is a Center for Independent Living (CIL)?

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) exist to empower individuals with disabilities to take charge of their lives and make their own choices and decisions in order to be as self-sufficient as possible.  CILs also lead efforts to break down barriers and prejudices within communities, replacing them with positive attitudes resulting in equal access to society for people with disabilities.  Run by people with disabilities who have successfully established independent lives of their own, the staff has a deep commitment to assisting other people with disabilities in achieving independence.