What is a CiL

A Center for Independent Living (CIL) is a community-based organization that provides services and support to people with disabilities. CILs are run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities, and they work to promote independence, equality, and inclusion for all. Services may include advocacy, peer support, information and referral, and independent living skills training. Cs are an important resource for people with disabilities who want to live independently and participate fully in their communities.

Our History

​CRS-IL was founded in 1979 as "SCRS-IL." Since then, its programs have served over 100,000 individuals with disabilities in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. CRS-IL continues to develop comprehensive programs that respond to the needs of the disabled community while enabling them to lead healthy, independent, and productive lives. Most services are provided free of charge.

Funds for programs come from federal, state, county, and city governments, and grants from private foundations, corporations, and individual contributions. Our independent living programs and services serve 44 cities in Los Angeles County.  Services include advocacy, peer counseling, housing search assistance, information and referral, personal assistance services, independent living skills training, systems change advocacy, cross-disability peer counseling, assistive technology, advocacy for de-institutionalization, youth advocacy and civic engagement, and job readiness and job placement services. In 2019, CRS-IL celebrated 40 years of unparalleled commitment to our community.