Organization
Center for Independent Living(CIL)
The Center for Independent Living in Berkeley is the world's first independent living centre, founded in 1972 by disability rights pioneer Ed Roberts and fellow disabled students at UC Berkeley. Run by and for people with disabilities — with staff and board required to be majority disabled — CIL has shaped a global movement and continues to provide peer counselling, advocacy, and independent living services across Northern Alameda County.
About
Founded in 1972 by Ed Roberts and fellow disabled students at UC Berkeley, the Center for Independent Living (CIL) is the birthplace of the global Independent Living movement and a direct model for more than 400 ILCs worldwide. CIL famously campaigned for the first curb cuts in the United States. Staff must be at least 51% persons with disabilities, as must the nonprofit board.
What They Do
CIL provides peer counselling, independent living skills training, benefits counselling, assistive technology loans, housing assistance, employment support, and community advocacy. Programmes include an Accelerate college-to-career initiative for students with disabilities and regular Bay Area accessibility and housing webinars.
Who They Serve
CIL serves youth, adults, and seniors with all types of disabilities in Northern Alameda County communities including Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda, Emeryville, Piedmont, and Albany, assisting approximately 1,000 people each year to live independently in their communities.
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