About Independent Living

Independent living, is a philosophy and a worldwide movement of individuals with disabilities working for equal opportunities, self-determination, and self-respect. It stems from the fundamental principle that people with disabilities are entitled to the same civil rights, options and control over choices in their own lives as people without disabilities.

The PA SILC works to promote the philosophy of Independent Living and to monitor, review, evaluate and maintain a State Plan for Independent Living.

Centers for Independent Living, known as CILs, are consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, non-residential, private, non-profit agencies that are designed and operated within a local community by, and for, individuals with disabilities and provide an array of Independent Living Services.

At a minimum, 51% of staff are persons with disabilities and 51% of Board of Directors are persons with significant disabilities.

There are 17 CILs in Pennsylvania and the PA SILC works to promote and strengthen these Centers.