Centers for Independent Living for Individuals with Disabilities

Program Description

The Centers for Independent Living (CIL) program provides grants for consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential, private nonprofit agencies that are designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provide an array of independent living services.

Services provided by the centers may include but are not limited to: information and referrals; independent living skills training; peer counseling; individual and systems advocacy; community planning and decision making; role modeling; interacting with local, state and Federal legislators; and staging recreational events that integrate individuals with disabilities with their non-disabled peers.

General Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, individuals must have a history of a physical, mental, cognitive, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more of the individual's major life activities, such as the ability to hold a job or function independently in the community. Any individual who fits these criteria is eligible for IL services under the Supported Independent Living Program (SIL) and CIL guidelines.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
Application processes and services vary by state. To find a center near you, visit:
http://www.virtualcil.net/cils/
Program Contact Information
For more information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/programs/cil/index.html
For more information and resources on Independent Living, visit: http://www.jik.com/ilcs.html
If you have questions about this program, visit: http://www.ed.gov/programs/cil/contacts.html