Supporting Centers For Independent Living Statewide.
The Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living (FACIL) is a statewide membership organization whose mission is to coordinate advocacy efforts that increase the capacity of Florida’s network of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to support community living and independence for Floridians with disabilities.
FACIL provides a statewide voice in support of Independent Living to the Florida Legislature, state and local governmental agencies and other human service organizations to advance the independent living goal that all people can live with dignity and make their own choices. FACIL’s members and officers are the Executive Directors of the 15 CILs that serve all 67 counties in Florida.
CIL Core Services
Information and Referral
Information and referral services connect individuals with disabilities to services, opportunities and supports that can help them live more independently in their communities. CILs can provide information about housing, employment, financial assistance, health care, personal assistance services, assistive technology, durable medical equipment, and other important programs.
Independent Living Skills Training
CILs provide instruction to help individuals with disabilities develop independent living skills in areas such as personal care, coping, financial management, social skills, and household management. Training topics can also include education and training necessary for living in the community and participating in community activities.
Peer Mentoring and Networking
CILs provide cross-disability peer counseling and facilitate connections to foster mutual support and assistance among individuals with significant disabilities who are actively pursuing IL goals. Peer role models can serve as a positive example for other individuals with significant disabilities.
Advocacy
CILs help individuals with disabilities improve their ability to represent themselves with public and/or private entities, to make key decisions involving themselves, and to organize and manage their own activities to achieve desired objectives.
Transition Services
CILs provide two types of transition services: assistance to individuals with significant disabilities who are at risk of entering institutions to help them remain in the community, and assistance to students with disabilities who have completed their secondary education to ensure a successful transition to employment or continuing education.
