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What is an Independent Living Center?
An independent living center is a consumer controlled, community based, cross disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agency that is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities. Independent living services are services that maximize a person's ability to live independently in the environment of their own choosing.
Simply put;
- consumer controlled means the center vests power and authority in individuals with disabilities;
- community based means it is designed by and for the local community;
- cross disability means that it serves persons with all types of disabilities;
- non-residential means that centers do not operate any type of residential facility.
Independent living advocates direct their efforts toward the goal of freeing people with disabilities from institutional living, while educating the community in accessibility issues. With the proper support system from the community, people with disabilities can live where they choose and pursue their dreams with inalienable rights that are indistinguishable from anyone else.
