Centers for Independent Living (Rehabilitation Act Title VII)

What it offers

Centers for Independent Living are consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agencies operated within local communities by people with disabilities. ACL says funded centers must provide core independent living services: information and referral, independent living skills training, peer counseling, individual and systems advocacy, and transition services that help people move from institutions to the community, avoid institutionalization, and transition from youth to postsecondary life. CILs may also provide housing/shelter assistance, personal assistance service referrals, transportation referral and assistance, mobility training, rehabilitation technology, recreation, and other supports needed for independent functioning. Use ACLs CIL/SPIL list to find local centers; exact service hours, funding by state, and local wait status belong in the resource inventory.

Questions that decide eligibility

GiveCare prepares the questions; the program makes the decision. Bring these to the call or the application:

1. 01

   What counts as a qualifying disability or level of care need, and what documentation shows it?

2. 02

   Does the VA disability rating meet the program’s minimum (our record lists null%)?

3. 03

   Do the work hours meet the minimum (our record lists null hours)?

4. 04

   Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name.

   Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.

5. 05

   What documents do you need from us to start an application?

6. 06

   Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?