Independent Living
VR's Independent Living Program promotes and supports a philosophy of independent living for persons with significant disabilities who wish to maintain or increase their level of independence. This state/federal partnership funds 16 Centers for Independent Living (CIL) throughout Florida. An essential part of the Independent Living Program is the State Independent Living Council (SILC). In Florida, the SILC is operated by the Florida Independent Living Council.
Centers for Independent Living
A CIL is a local not-for-profit that is consumer-controlled and provides a minimum of five core services that support independent living outcomes for persons with disabilities. Each CIL offers additional independent living services as determined by the needs of the community and the individuals seeking assistance. CILs provide services to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence and productivity of individuals with disabilities. The overall goal of services provided by CILs is to achieve the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into mainstream American society.
Five Core Services Provided by Florida Centers for Independent Living
- Information and referral
- Independent living-skills training
- Individual and systems advocacy
- Peer counseling
- Transition from a nursing home to the community or diversion of individuals from institutional placement; and assisting youth (Ages 14-24) with post-secondary life and opportunities.
The Florida Independent Living Council
The Florida Independent Living Council (FILC) has the responsibility of developing the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) to further guide and support independent living services for Floridians with the most significant disabilities. Council members are appointed by the governor to ensure the independent living needs of persons with disabilities are represented through the SPIL statewide. The SPIL requires that the FILC gather input from across Florida on the independent needs of persons with disabilities. Independent Living Services that support individuals’ achieving goals in education, employment, affordable housing or transition from nursing homes to the community are addressed by the SPIL. Council members evaluate the existing SPIL on an on-gong basis. The SPIL provides direction to the Council and CILs on initiating outreach to identify and reach underserved populations so that they can benefit from independent living services. Both CILs and the FILC were created by federal and state legislation to support individuals with disabilities in maintaining or increasing their ability to live independently.
About the Florida Independent Living Council (FILC)
2020-2023 State Plan for Independent Living, as Amended (PDF)
VR Independent Living Program Administrator
Call
407-893-3596
Program Administrator Danielle Delgado
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
3191 Maguire Blvd., Suite 240
Orlando, FL 32803-3722
TTY users dial 711 to connect with the telecommunications relay service (TRS). Video phone users can call through the video relay service (VRS).