ILRU Directory of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and Associations

Note: The ILRU Directory of Centers for Independent Living is maintained by ILRU based on voluntary reports from CILs, SILCs, and state association of centers. From time-to-time ILRU supplements self-reported information with surveys of these organizations.

To submit an addition or correction to the Directory, email ilru@ilru.org.

Definition of a Center for Independent Living from Section 702 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended:

CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING ‑ The term "center for independent living" means 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.

A Center for Independent Living (CIL):

At a minimum, 51% of staff are persons with disabilities and 51% of Board of Directors are persons with significant disabilities. A CIL provides, at a minimum, the following core services:

  1. Information & referral
  2. Independent living skills training
  3. Individual and systems advocacy
  4. Peer counseling
  5. Transition assistance from nursing homes and other institutions to community-based residences
  6. Assisting individuals to avoid institutional placement
  7. Transition of youth with significant disabilities after completion of secondary education to postsecondary life.

Alphabetic List of States and Territories