Questions and Answers

Essentially, it is living just like everyone else – having opportunities to make decisions that affect one’s life, able to pursue activities of one’s own choosing – limited only in the same ways that one’s nondisabled neighbors are limited.

Independent living should not be defined in terms of living on one’s own, being employed in a job fitting one’s capabilities and interests, or having an active social life. These are aspects of living independently. Independent living has to do with self-determination. It is having the right and the opportunity to pursue a course of action. And, it is having the freedom to fail – and to learn from one’s failures, just as nondisabled people do.

There are, of course, individuals who have certain mental impairments which may affect their abilities to make complicated decisions or pursue complex activities. For these individuals, Independent Living means having every opportunity to be as self-sufficient as possible.

                                               – Source: ILRU at Texas Institute for Rehabilitation

A CIL is a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential, private, non-profit agency that is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provides an array of independent living services which are described in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

We serve people with any type of disability, including physical, mental, and sensory of all ages.

We have 2 offices (Kenner and Baton Rouge).  It is not necessary to have an appointment before you visit. But due to COVID-19 restrictions, appointments are encouraged.