What is an Independent Living Center

Independent Living Centers (ILCs) are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations run and controlled by persons with disabilities. They are non-residential, community-based centers where people with disabilities can receive assistance with a variety of daily living issues and learn the skills they need to take control of their lives from people who have had similar experiences living with a disability.  The centers serve people with all types of disabilities and, with some exceptions, do not charge for their services.

The example of a peer, somebody who has been in a similar situation, can be more powerful than non-disabled professionals’ interventions in analyzing one’s situation, in assuming responsibility for one’s life and in developing coping strategies. With peer support all of us - including persons with extensive physical, emotional or developmental disabilities - can learn to take more initiative and control over their lives. For example, peer support is used in Independent Living Skills classes where people living with their families or in institutions learn how to run their everyday lives in preparation for living by themselves.

All ILCs provide six core services:

• Housing referrals
• Information and Referral
• Peer counseling
• Personal Assistant Services
• Independent living skills training
• Individual and Systems Change advocacy.

In addition centers may provide benefits counseling, employment readiness training, assistive technology services and legal aid. Services vary from center to center but all provide the six core services mandated by federal legislation. 

Typically, centers work with local and regional governments to improve infrastructure, raise awareness about disability issues and lobby for legislation that promotes equal opportunities and prohibits segregation and discrimination.

Find a California Independent Living Center near you