RIL is part of the Independent Living Center Network in California and we have been serving the community since 1979. Currently, there are 29 centers throughout greater California. These centers were created by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which mandated services to persons with disabilities. Independent Living Centers (ILC’s) are unique because they are consumer driven and mandated. All ILC’s boards are comprised of at least 51% persons with disabilities. In addition, persons with disabilities are hired as staff to work in the ILC. This is significant because it is you the consumer who determines what your needs are and what you need to live independently. RIL staff is here to assist you to determine and analyze your needs as well as develop plan in order to assist you in accomplishing your goals. RIL’s mission statements is “promoting the socio-economic independence of persons with disabilities by providing peer supported, consumer directed independent living services and advocacy”. It is our goal to assist you to live as independently as possible- in the community, out of institutions.
Eligibility and What to Expect
An orientation is required for all consumers wishing to access RIL services. Orientations are held every Wednesday at 10 am and 1:30 pm. You must reserve your place in advance. Please call 446-3074 to schedule an appointment.
Orientations will take approximately 45 minutes. After orientation, each prospective consumer will be given an appointment and assigned to an Independent Living Specialist or ILS. This appointment may be for the same afternoon or for another time depending on available appointment times. Generally, appointments are offered as the following times: 1:15 and 2:15. After the initial orientation and first appointments, RIL staff works by appointment only to assist you in reaching your IL goals. Waivers to this process should be requested to the Program Director.
