Centers for Independent Living are community-based, nonprofit organizations led by and for people with disabilities. They provide services and advocacy to help individuals of all ages and with all types of disabilities live independently, make their own choices, and fully participate in society.

CILs are unique among disability service organizations because we are consumer-controlled, rights-based, and focused on empowerment rather than caretaking. We differ in that: We are run by people with disabilities. At least 51% of staff and board members at a CIL are people with disabilities. This peer-led model ensures services are grounded in real-life experience and promote self-direction. We focus on independence, not dependence. While many organizations provide care or case management, CILs equip individuals with skills and resources to live as independently as possible in the community. We have an advocacy-based mission. CILs don’t just serve individuals—they also work to change systems, influence policy, and eliminate barriers to full community inclusion. We are non-residential and non-medical. Unlike residential facilities or medical providers, CILs don’t “take care” of people—we support people in taking care of themselves.

Community living means that people with disabilities have the right and opportunity to live in homes of their choosing, participate fully in community life, and receive the supports they need in the most integrated setting possible. It reflects the belief that everyone should be included in society and have access to housing, employment, education, transportation, and recreational activities--just like everyone else. Community-based services are often less expensive than institutional care, while still providing the support individuals need.

We make community-based living possible by providing the tools, resources, and support individuals with disabilities need to live independently and fully participate in society. CILs accomplish this through: Advocacy: We advocate for accessible housing, transportation, and public spaces so that people with disabilities can live where they choose and access their communities. Transition Support: We assist individuals in transitioning from nursing homes or institutions to their own homes in the community. Individual Services: Through peer support, independent living skills training, and information and referral, we help individuals gain the confidence and knowledge to live independently. Connection to Resources: LIFE Inc. CILs connect people to services like personal attendant care, accessible transportation, benefits planning, and assistive technology. Consumer-Controlled Approach: CILs are run by and for people with disabilities, ensuring that services reflect the real-life needs and goals of the people they serve.

We provide services to individuals of all ages, with all types of significant disabilities and whose disability is creating a barrier toward independent living in the family, in the community or in employment. We also provide information and referral, as well as education to our respective communities.

Services are available Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Programs are accessible to all individuals with disabilities without regard to type of disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age or minority background. To obtain services, call the LIFE Inc. CIL nearest you to schedule an appointment.

LIFE Inc. is funded by state, federal, local and private donations. Our funders include U.S. Health & Human Services, Texas Health & Services Commission, Texas Workforce Commission, Social Security Administration and community and state philanthropists.