Community Services
4. Independent Living Centers
Independent Living Centers are resource centers run by and for adults and youth with disabilities, offering free services that help them lead independent lives.
In California, these programs provide:
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Peer counseling. Conversation and support from people who understand a client's situation.
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Training. Peer workshops, support groups, education in basic skills, home modifications, and pre-vocational counseling.
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Housing assistance. Help finding and keeping accessible and affordable housing, and information about housing issues, such as rental assistance programs and resources for emergency move-in costs, discount programs, and benefits.
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Educational resources. Information about disability issues and referrals to agencies with services that provide assistance.
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Advocacy. Information about volunteer opportunities, community organizing, and legislative policies that affect the disabled communities.
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Assistive technology. Information about technological advances and tools for the disabled.
Additional services are available at some centers may include:
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Communication services. Referrals for readers, American Sign Language translation, and supplies such as Braille or books on tape.
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Personal assistance services. Help with tasks including bathing, dressing, getting to and from the bathroom, eating, shopping, and other activities.
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Physical rehabilitation. Exercise, training exercises, and help with prostheses and other appliances.
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Transportation. Assistance with errands and appointments.
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Youth services. Individual and family counseling, technical support for special education teachers, sensitivity training, assistance for students, help with social skills, and career planning.
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Vocational services. Help in finding jobs, including resume writing, preparing for interviews, job resources.
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Financial counseling. Help with understanding and finding financial benefits, such as public cash assistance, private and public health insurance, and work incentive programs.
Services are available to all disabled people who seek to live independently, but preference is given to those who are not receiving services from another disability program.
To find the Independent Living Centers located throughout the state, consult the California Department of Rehabilitation.
