A Center for Independent Living is a consumer‑controlled, community‑based, cross‑disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agency that is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provides an array of independent living services. At a minimum, 51% of staff are persons with disabilities and 51% of Board of Directors are persons with significant disabilities. (from Section 702 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973)

All Centers for Independent Living offer five Core Services, including:

• Independent Living Skills Training: Individually designed training to increase confidence and self-reliance is offered to consumers in areas such as income benefits, social or recreational opportunities, self-care, transportation, education, communication, assistive technology, budgeting, housing assistance and job readiness and job networking. The consumer sets the pace, decides the goals and does the work with CIL staff serving as role models, advocates and supporters.
• Peer Mentoring: CILs schedule events that will facilitate the peer mentoring process. Peer Mentors are matched with persons to manage, remove or cope with the barriers they encounter. Goals are set by the person with a disability (consumer).
• Information and Referral: You have a question about services and programs in your community? Do you need help for yourself or your loved one? CILs are there to help. If they don’t have the answer, they will work to find the answer. That may mean another phone call or website to explore, but CILs will do their best to find the answer you need to know.
• Individual and Systems Advocacy: Empowering people with disabilities to speak for themselves and assert their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other civil rights is an important component of the four core services. CIL staff also advise and assist people with disabilities in advocating for the elimination of barriers and practices that preclude one’s access to the greater community at large.
• Transition: Facilitate the transition of individuals with significant disabilities from nursing homes and other institutions to home and community-based residences, with the requisite supports and services. Provide assistance to individuals with significant disabilities who are at risk of entering institutions so that the individuals remain in the community. Facilitate the transition of youth who are individuals with significant disabilities who are eligible for individualized education programs.