Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are organizations mandated to be led by people with disabilities to serve people with disabilities and make systems change. CILs provide support to people of all ages, with all types of disabilities, to equip them with the skills to live independently in their communities, advocate for their needs, and develop disability pride. They work to make sure communities are built and operate with people with disabilities in mind. As such, they CILs are ideal partners to work with inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs to ensure that students with disabilities have access to all aspects of campus life, including academics, physical spaces, recreational activities, and more.
This publication provides an in depth description of the purpose and function of CILs and describes how CILs and IPSE programs can work together.
Stinnett, C. V. & Tissot, K. (2023). Inclusive Postsecondary Education programs and Centers for Independent Living: A partnership worth pursuing. Think College Fast Facts, Issue No. 57. Boston, MA: University of Massachusetts Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion.