Texas Association of Centers for Independent Living

The Texas Association of Centers for Independent Living supports and advocates for a network of non-profit organizations known as Centers for Independent Living (CILs) throughout Texas. These CILs are dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently within their communities.

Purpose and Goals

The primary purpose of the Texas Association of Centers for Independent Living is to enhance the ability of CILs to provide essential services that promote self-sufficiency, access, and inclusion for people with disabilities. This is aligned with the philosophy of independent living, which emphasizes consumer control and self-direction. The association works to ensure that Texans with disabilities have the necessary supports and services to live as independently as they choose.

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in Texas

Texas is home to 27 CILs, which serve communities across the state, including both urban and rural areas. These organizations help tens of thousands of Texans each year, providing services that enable individuals to transition from institutional settings to community-based living, thereby reducing costs associated with long-term care facilities.

Key services provided by CILs include:

• Information and Referral: Connecting individuals with vital community resources.
• Independent Living Skills Training: Helping people with disabilities develop skills for daily life, employment, and self-sufficiency.
• Peer Support and Mentoring: Providing guidance from others with lived experience.
• Advocacy & Rights Education: Ensuring that individuals with disabilities understand their rights and have a voice in policies affecting them.
• Transition Services: Assisting people with disabilities to move from institutions into the community and supporting youth transitioning to adulthood.

Funding and Partnerships

The Texas Association of Centers for Independent Living collaborates with various partners, including the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas State Independent Living Council (SILC). Funding for CILs comes from a variety of sources, including federal, state, and local governments, as well as private contributions and grants. The association works to secure additional funding sources to enhance the capacity of CILs to provide independent living services.

Impact

By supporting CILs, the Texas Association of Centers for Independent Living plays a crucial role in reducing the state's reliance on institutional care. This leads to significant cost savings for taxpayers, as community-based supports are more cost-effective than nursing home care. Additionally, by empowering individuals with disabilities to work and participate fully in their communities, CILs contribute to economic growth and increased tax revenue.

Governance and Leadership

CILs are grounded in a consumer-controlled model, with a majority of their governing boards composed of individuals with disabilities. This ensures that services are guided by the needs and preferences of the community they serve.