Each year, special education teachers assess a student’s independent living skills. If any of your students require extra support for independent living, contacting your local Center for Independent Living (CIL) could be beneficial.
Centers for Independent Living embody a philosophy that individuals with disabilities are free to make decisions about their own lives and choose their level of community involvement. Through collaboration with staff and volunteers, many who have disabilities themselves, individuals can reach their long-term postsecondary goals for independent living.
These centers operate on the premise that individuals with disabilities hold the most insightful expertise on their own needs. They have invaluable perspective to contribute and deserve equal opportunities to decide how to live, work, and engage in their communities, especially concerning services that significantly impact affect their daily lives and independence.
CILs offer the following services:
- Peer Counseling—Mentors with disabilities offer unique solutions encouraging independence.
- Information and Referral—Access information and resources on civil rights, community options, and voice concerns about issues affecting individuals with disabilities.
- Individual and Systems Advocacy—At local, state, and national level, CILs engage with government and business entities to remove barriers.
- Independent Living Skills Training—Advocates support individuals, whether new to a disability or living alone, to reach their long-term goals.
- Transition Services—Families receive assistance with transition to and from nursing homes, and from school to employment, further education, or independent living.
Across the state, over 10 Centers for Independent Living offer specialized services. These include domestic violence support, programs for blind or visually impaired, ombudsman services, assistive technology libraries, and Disability Rights training.
Help your students prepare for a life after high school. Tell them about a Center for Independent Living nearby.
Resources:
- accessAbility—serves Indianapolis and the seven surrounding counties
- Attic, Inc.—serves southwest Indiana
- Future Choices—serves seven counties in central Indiana
- National Council on Independent Living—general information on the Independent Living Movement