Expanding CIL Capacity Through Youth-Driven Transition Services

Many consumer-directed centers for independent living (CILs) have been providing the service of assisting youth and young adults to transition from school and life with parents to post-secondary education, employment, and independent living for some time. On July 22, 2014, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law, bringing about a number of changes to the independent living program, including adding new core services that have a “transition” component.

The new core services include:

1. 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
2. provide assistance to individuals with significant disabilities who are at risk of entering institutions so that the individuals remain in the community, and
3. facilitate the transition of youth who are individuals with significant disabilities who are eligible for individualized education programs under Section 614(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 14149d)), and who have completed their secondary education or otherwise left school, to postsecondary life.

For purposes of this manual, youth transition is the primary focus.