Westside Center for Independent Living

ADVOCATING FOR AND SERVING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES THROUGHOUT WESTERN LOS ANGELES AND THE SOUTH BAY AREA

MISSION

The Westside Center for Independent Living is a non-residential center dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with all kinds of disabilities. The goal of the peer-led programs and services is the elimination of economic, social, attitudinal and environmental barriers.

DISABILITY IS DIVERSITY

What are centers for independent living?

Centers for independent living (CILs) are private, nonprofit corporations that provide services to maximize the independence of individuals with disabilities and the accessibility of the communities they live in. Centers are funded in part by the Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration, Independent Living Branch, to provide, among other things, several core services:

  • Individuals and Systems Change Advocacy
  • Independent living skills training
  • Information and referral
  • Peer counseling

In California, Centers also provide Housing Assistance, Personal Assistant and Assistive Technology.Services. Right up front, it is important to understand that we are not residential centers. We cannot own, operate or manage housing for people with disabilities. We do assist people in finding housing and with other issues related to housing.

Information on Centers for Independent Living from the Department of Education web pages: http://www.ed.gov/programs/cil/index.html