Centers for Independent Living are non-residential, community-based organizations, governed and staffed by people with disabilities, that offer a wide variety of services to consumers with disabilities and their families. The foundation of these services is the peer-to-peer relationship, where people with disabilities act as mentors for other people with disabilities, showing them by example how to help themselves and to live independently. The core services that CILs provide are:

  • Individual Advocacy and Systems Advocacy
  • Peer Counseling (Peer Support)
  • Information and Referral (I&R)
  • Independent Living (IL) Skills Training
  • Transition Services
    • Nursing Home/Institutional Setting Prevention
    • Youth (ages 14-29) -Exploring Opportunities Beyond High School

Depending on the needs of the communities they serve, CILs may provide other services that vary from one center to another. For more information contact the center nearest you.  Georgia Directory of Centers for Independent Living

For CILs in other states, visit the National Council on Independent Living