PHILOSOPHY

Independent living is about having the right to make choices, to make one's own mistakes, and to learn from them in the same way that people without disabilities can. People with disabilities must be empowered to take control of their own lives.

"CILs promote a philosophy of consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and systems advocacy in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society." (RSA, 1992)

HISTORY

The first CILs were established in the early 1970s and were defined much as they are today as consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential, private, nonprofit agencies. To learn more about the history of independent living see:

• ILUSA: Ed Roberts, "The Father of Independent Living"

FUNDING

• We are funded by the state budget through Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. We depend on federal and state grants for capacity building and other local resources for direct and indirect program costs. Donations are also accepted.
  
  

Our staff must be 50% people with disabilities. Our Board must be at least 51% people with disabilities.

Our Board must be made up of 51% of people with disabilities. Our full board meets every other month on Tuesday. Our Executive Board meets every other opposite month.

Board Members

Vince Stigliano, President

Tony Sforza