Iowa’s Centers for Independent Living provide community-based services focused on independence, peer support, advocacy, and personal choice.
About
Centers for Independent Living, commonly called CILs, are community-based, nonresidential organizations led by people with disabilities.
They are not assisted-living facilities.
The Iowa Independent Living Network currently includes the Iowa Statewide Independent Living Council and six Centers for Independent Living.
Different centers serve different counties.
Core Services
Information and referral
Independent-living skills training
Peer counseling and support
Individual advocacy
Systems advocacy
Youth and institutional transition services
Important Service-Area Information
The Iowa SILC currently reports that CIL funding covers 35 of Iowa’s 99 counties.
Visitors who live outside a currently funded CIL service area may still be able to obtain limited independent-living assistance through other statewide programs such as Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services or the Iowa Department for the Blind.
Statewide Directory
Iowa Statewide Independent Living Council:Iowa Independent Living Network Directory
The directory identifies individual Centers for Independent Living and the counties each center serves.
Why We Recommend This Resource
Centers for Independent Living emphasize disability leadership, peer support, consumer choice, self-determination, and living in the community.
A local CIL may be able to help with independent-living skills, advocacy, benefits, transition, transportation resources, and connections to other community programs.