Independent Living

American Congress of Community Supports & Employment Services (ACCSES)

National, nonprofit organization of vocational rehabilitation service and community supports committed to maximizing employment opportunities and independent living for individuals with mental and physical disabilities.

Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL)

A national network of rural centers for independent living and other organizations and individuals concerned with the unique aspects of rural independent living.

Beyond 50.03: A Report to the Nation on Independent Living & Disability

This report, the third in AARP's Beyond 50 series, takes an in-depth look at the roles of supportive services, family and community and our social and physical environments in enhancing the independence of persons with disabilities who are age 50 and older.

Beyond 50.05: A Report to the Nation on Livable Communities: Creating Environments for Successful Aging

AARP's Beyond 50 report presents a new agenda for examining, building and retrofitting communities to support successful aging. Livable Communities: An Evaluation Guide is also available. Both documents are in .pdf format.

Centers for Independent Living (CILs)

State by state list of CILs, which are private, non-profit organizations that provide services relating to employment, health care and living skills that support the independence of individuals with disabilities.

Community Living Exchange Collaborative

The Exchange is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and is a vital hub of information sharing, training and technical assistance for more than 180 recipients of Systems Change Grants for Community Living in all 50 states, two territories and the District of Columbia.

Community-Based Services

Information and resources from the National Organization on Disability on increasing alternatives to institutional services and other issues related to community-based services and legislation.

Creating Livable Communities

National Council on Disability report identifies barriers to developing livable communities and sheds light on potential methods for overcoming these barriers.

Directory of Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs)

The Independent Living Research Utilization's directory, updated weekly, of all Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILC) and related organizations.

Disability & Aging: Seeking Solutions to Improve Health, Productivity & Community Living: Final Report

Recommendations from a mini-conference of the 2005 White House Conference on Aging. Document is in .pdf format, but is also available in Word format.

Inclusive Livable Communities for People with Psychiatric Disabilities

March 17, 2008 report from the National Council on Disabilities (NCD) that looks at barriers and solutions relating to people with psychiatric disabilities fully participating in their communities.

Independent Living Institute

Offers resources for persons with extensive disabilities and develops consumer-driven policies for self-determination, self-respect and dignity.

Independent Living Research Utilization

A program of The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, ILRU provides information, training, research and technical assistance in independent living.

Information About Independent Living Centers (ILCs)

Information about Independent Living Centers from the Independent Living USA Web site includes details on what ILCs are, how the movement started and addresses and phone numbers for state ILCs.

Institute for Community Inclusion

Offers training, clinical, and employment services, conducts research, and provides assistance to organizations to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in school, work, and community activities.

National Council on Independent Living

Provides national training and technical assistance to centers for independent living and advocates for national laws and policies affecting people with disabilities.

National Resource Center on Supportive Housing & Home Modification

Web site of a university-based, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting aging in place and independent living for persons of all ages and abilities.

PACER Center

The PACER (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) Center is a national center based in Minnesota that provides a wide variety of programs, materials and services to assist parents of children with disabilities to expand their children's opportunities in education, work and independent living.

Supported Employment Toolkit

The Supported Employment Toolkit from the National Mental Health Information Center provides information on how to help people with mental illnesses and other disabilities find and keep competitive employment within their communities.

Ticket to Work Program

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers beneficiaries with disabilities/blindness a greater choice in obtaining the services they need to help them go to work.

University of Kansas Research Information on Independent Living

Enter a search term on this Web page for access to articles and abstracts on a variety of topics related to independent living, including transportation and employment.
  • The White House: President George W. Bush
  • USA.gov: The U.S. government's official web portal.