What is a CIL?
Centers for Independent Living (CIL's) are private, not-for-profit organizations that work with people with all disabilities to advance their independence. CILs are not places where people live, instead they are centers of action and coalition. Each CIL promotes the Independent
Living movement, they work to empower people to take charge of their own lives. CILs provide services that promote leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of people with disabilities. CILs work within communities to remove barriers and change attitudes towards independence.
Fifty One percent or greater of the people serving on each CIL Board of Directors as well as the majority of staff are people with disabilities.
Every Center for Independent Living has four core services that it must offer. These services are:
· advocacy,
· peer support,
· information and referral,
· and independent living skills training.
Progressive Center for Independent Living
The Independent Living movement as we know it began in the 1970’s, as people with disabilities asserted their right to full inclusion into the mainstream of American society. A group of people with disabilities, including the late Ed Roberts and Judy Heumann, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Special Education, who founded the first Center for Independent Living (CIL) in Berkeley, California.
Through the efforts of independent living advocates, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 included funds for independent living services. Amendments in 1978 added funds for Centers for Independent Living (CIL).
The Progressive Center for Independent Living, Inc., (PCIL), founded by individuals with disabilities and family members of people with disabilities was established in Ewing, New Jersey in 1996. With only a staff of two, PCIL dedicated its mission to advocates for the rights of people with disabilities to achieve and maintain independent lifestyles. Through promotion of choice, self-direction and inclusion, PCIL works with people with disabilities and their families to ensure the same freedoms and civil liberties as everyone else.
Today PCIL has eight staff members and seven board members, 50% of which are living independently with their own disabilities. PCIL has hosted numerous workshops and conference in a variety of areas, including social security benefits, housing issues, education, emergency preparedness and employment. The board and staff of PCIL are still dedicated to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities to achieve and maintain independent lifestyles.
Membership You do not have to be a member of PCIL to obtain it's services. Even so, we pursue a strong membership to promote participants with a sense of proprietorship and to help extend these valuable services to others. PCIL encourages families and friends of people with disabilities, professionals, volunteers, and other interested parties to become members. Annual dues (tax-deductable) are $12 per person.
Donations PCIL is a non-profit, donor-sponsored organization that does not charge fees for its services. Donations of goods and services are welcome. Most are tax-deductible. |
