Centers for Independent Living provide community-based, disability-led services that promote independence, choice, self-advocacy, and community participation.
About
Centers for Independent Living, commonly called CILs, are community-based, nonresidential organizations designed and operated with leadership from people with disabilities.
They are not assisted-living facilities or residential homes.
Centers for Independent Living help people with disabilities develop skills, advocate for themselves, connect with community resources, and live as independently as possible.
Different Centers for Independent Living serve different geographic areas of Idaho.
Core Services May Include
Information and referral
Independent-living skills training
Peer counseling and peer support
Individual advocacy
Systems advocacy
Transition services
Community-integration assistance
Assistance connecting with local disability resources
Disability Action Center Northwest — Serving areas of northern Idaho through offices including Moscow, Post Falls, and Lewiston.
Living Independence Network Corporation — Commonly called LINC, serving areas of southwestern and south-central Idaho.
LIFE, A Center for Independent Living — Serving areas of eastern Idaho.
Visitors should use the Idaho State Independent Living Council directory to determine which center serves their county or community.
Who They Serve
Centers for Independent Living are cross-disability organizations.
They serve people with many different disabilities rather than restricting services to one disability.
This includes people who are blind or visually impaired.
Centers for Independent Living are valuable because they emphasize consumer choice, self-determination, peer support, advocacy, and independence.
They may be especially useful for people seeking assistance with housing resources, transportation, independent-living skills, advocacy, community services, or transition into community living.