Group including wheelchair users gathers near a van and city bus.

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Center for Independent Living (CIL) Fundamentals

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) play a unique and essential role in advancing independence, choice, and community inclusion for people with disabilities. This course introduces the foundational concepts, values, and structures that define CILs and explains why they are different from traditional disability service organizations.

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A young wheelchair user being interviewed.

Course Details:

  • This is a self-paced, 45-60 minute course
  • Great for newcomers to the Independent Living network
  • Each lesson includes one core takeaway, reflection questions, and/or interactive activities.
  • A 10-question assessment at the conclusion of the course
    • Must pass with 80% to receive a certificate of completion from the IL T&TA Center

Objectives:

A photo of the U.S. Capitol.

Understand the defining characteristics and legal foundations of CILs.

Guide dog standing at a crosswalk with handler holding a white cane.

Explain the role of consumer control, cross-disability practice, and community-based services in Independent Living.

Two people in discussion at a table, one taking notes during a meeting.

Identify the required core services of a CIL and how they support independence and self-determination.

Course Lessons

Introduction

Lessons

Welcome!

Center for Independent Living (CIL) Fundamentals

Lessons

What is a Center for Independent Living? Consumer Control at the Organizational Level Being Community-Based Cross-Disability and Inclusion Nonresidential and Private, Nonprofit Structure Interactive Activity: Applying CIL Structure in Real-World Situations Required Core Services of a CIL Common Challenges and Ethical Considerations for CILs Course Wrap-Up

Conclusion

Lessons

Test Your Knowledge E-course Feedback