Independent Living Centers provide these five core services:

Advocacy – Individual advocacy is to provide support and assist consumers in learning skills for self-advocacy. CILWW also advocates at community, state, and federal levels for system change resulting in new legislation, expanded benefits and services, as well as improved community service areas. CILWW provides support and training for consumers to become involved in systems change advocacy.

Peer Support – One-to-one Peer Support is available from trained volunteers and staff who have personally experienced a disability and are willing to share their life experiences. Information, assistance, and support may be provided to assist a consumer in dealing with issues related to their disability.

Independent Living Skills Training – IL Skills Training provides assistance in assessing and developing the skills individuals need in order to live independently. Skill areas may include communication, financial management, household management, accessing community services, problem-solving and identifying, and using adaptive/non-adaptive equipment.

Information / Referral – CILWW Staff provides information on disability-related subjects and resources. Referral information for community services is provided. CILWW maintains a library of books, catalogs, and periodicals relating to disabilities that are available to the public. CILWW also publishes a quarterly newsletter called the Advocate.

Transition (youth, nursing home, etc)
This service is to facilitate the transition of individuals with significant disabilities from nursing homes and other institutions to home and community-based residences, with the requisite supports and services; provide assistance to individuals with significant disabilities who are at risk of entering institutions, so that the individuals may remain in the community; and facilitate the transition of youth who are individuals with significant disabilities, who were eligible for individualized education programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and who have completed their secondary education, or otherwise left school, to post-secondary life.

CILWW also offers Other Independent Living Services that you may be interested in, please contact us for more information.