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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Center for Independent Living (CIL)?
Centers for Independent Living, or commonly referred to as CILS, are non-profit, community based non-residential organizations that are run by and for people with disabilities. CILS aren't places where people live. Instead, they are centers of action and coalition. CILS work toward empowering people to take charge of their own lifestyles. CILS provide services which promote leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of people with individuals. CILS work with individuals as well as with the community to remove barriers to independence.\
How are Centers for Independent Living funded?
CILS are non-profit organizations, which are funded by state, federal, local and private dollars.
Who do Centers serve?
Centers provide services to individuals with significant disabilities as well as to the local community at large. Core services to individuals, provided by all Centers include Advocacy, Deinstitutionalization, Independent Living Skills Training, Information and Referral, and Peer Counseling and Peer Support. Services to the community include disability awareness, technical assistance regarding accessibility and legal issues, as well as general disability related information.
How are Centers created?
Centers for Independent Living are created through the efforts of local people with disabilities, their family members, friends, and other interested persons. As people become organized, they begin to assess the local needs, level of local interest and support for a Center. Successful establishment of a Center for Independent Living often depends on networking, personal involvement, coalition building, and a commitment to the empowerment of persons with disabilities.
How do young adults with disabilities find the necessary support and assistance to be able to live independently in their community?
CILS are a great resource for young adults with disabilities striving to maintain their independence. CILS offer a wide spectrum of services from providing assistance locating and affording accessible housing, peer counseling services, and life skills training courses such as cooking, transportation, managing a budget, and many more useful skills.
What is your mission?
Our mission is to provide advocacy, services, and education for people with disabilities and our communties. Our vision is to work together in transforming our communities to be the best places in which people with disabilitites can live, learn, and work.
What are your hours?
Regular business hours are from 8am - 5pm Monday through Friday. See calendar for holiday closing.
How much do you charge for services?
Most of our services are free. If there is a charge, we use a sliding scale and offer, at times, scholarships.
Do I need a doctors letter saying I have a disability to use your services?
No. As an Independent Living Center we listen to you and learn from you what your needs are and how we can help.
How do I tell if I have a disability that qualifies me?
A disability is any physical or mental condition that limits one or more of life's major activities. This includes individuals whose disability is controlled by medication or is in remission.
Is being pregnant a disability?
No. Not unless there are complications, or if the woman has a medical condition in addition to the pregnancy itself. A normal pregnancy, although requiring medical attention, is not considered a disability in and of itself.
Can I donate equipment and supplies to you?
Please call first and let us know what you want to donate. If we are not accepting your items we may be able to refer you to someone who is. We DO NOT accept donations on a walk-in basis.
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes, we are a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and your donation is tax deductible at a value you place on it. If you do make a donation, be sure and get a reciept for tax purpose.
Do you have computer classes?
No, we currently do not offer computer classes. We do have an open computer lab for public use.
Do you have free computers?
No, we do not have a computer give-away program at this time.
Do you recycle computers?
No, we do not recycle computers at this time. The City of Lawrence and KU both have recycle programs.
Do you sell wheelchairs or motorized scooters?
No. We do not sell or buy anything. We can help you find funding in order to purchace a scooter though.
Do you do short term PCA (Personal Care Attendant) services i.e. after surgery for recovery purposes?
No we only do long term care services via HCBS/PD waiver. |
