Independent Living Programs support consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential, private, nonprofit agencies that are designed and operated within local communities by individuals with disabilities. Centers provide an array of independent living services.
Centers for independent living are designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provide independent living services including the core services of information and referral, independent living skills training, peer counseling, and individual and systems advocacy.
The purpose of these programs is to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of disabled individuals and to integrate these individuals into the mainstream of society. They also provide financial assistance to provide, expand and improve independent living services; develop and support statewide networks of centers for independent living; and improve working relationships among state independent living rehabilitation programs, centers for independent living.
The Centers for Independent Living program provide grants for private nonprofit agencies operated by disabled individuals who provide independent living services. The total amount that is available for grants is determined by a population-based formula.
Standards and assurances for independent living are established and must meet minimum compliance. The standards are used in evaluating philosophy, provision of services on a cross-disability basis; support of the development and achievement of the independent living goals; advocacy to increase the quality of community options for independent living; provision of independent living core services; resource development; and community capacity-building activities.
Independent Living Programs are essential to assist people with all disabilities!