Centers for Independent Living (CILs)Independent Living Skills: CILs offer opportunities for people with disabilities to acquire the skills to become more independent. Topics include accessibility, attendant care, civil rights, communications, daily living, education, employment, equipment, financial benefits, health care, housing, recreation, and transportation.
Advocacy: Advocacy is a means of assisting, supporting, and securing the needs of consumers. CILs focus on educating people about critical issues and supporting their individual efforts by encouraging self-advocacy, working directly with consumers, and advocating for changes in legislation and various systems.
Information and Referral: CILs offer information about community resources related to disabilities. Some CILs maintain a resource library.
Peer Support: Persons with disabilities run support groups and one-to-one peer support options to assist other persons with disabilities. Some CILs have support programs targeted at specific populations.
Centers for Independent Living
Department on Aging
421 E. Capitol Ave. #100
Springfield, IL 62701-1789
Telephone: (217) 524-6911 or (800) 252-8966 (in state)
After Hours Elder Abuse Hotline (800) 279-0400
Fax: (217) 524-6968
Email address: ilsenior@age084rl.state.il.us
Web address: www.state.il.us/aging/
Contact: Margo E. Schreiber
Persons served: 60 and older
Brief description: United with local communities and the public and private sector to be both a leader and partner in helping older Illinoisans and their caregivers achieve an optimum quality of life, assuring independence, dignity, self-sufficiency, health and safety through department programs: Community Care, to include: case management, homemaker, adult day service, senior companion and choices for care; Demonstration Projects; Older American Services, to include: senior centers, meals, information and assistance, transportation, outreach, employment and volunteer programs; Elder Rights, to include: elder abuse and neglect, ombudsman and legal assistance; Communications and Training, to include: senior helpline, health awareness programs, inter-generational programs, grandparents raising grandchildren, gatekeeper program, caregiving initiative, training, publications, audio visual resources, speakers bureau, special events and awards programs.
Fees: vary
Qualifications: Senior community
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Hoopeston Multi Agency Service Center
206 S. First Ave.
Hoopeston, IL 60942
Telephone: (217) 283-5544
Fax: (217) 283-9576
Contact: Mr. Chalmers E. Flint
Persons served: low-income, disabled, seniors and youth
Brief description: Center offers counseling, after-school program, circuit breaker, energy assistance, transportation for elderly and disabled
Qualifications: income guidelines
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.
Options Center for Independent Living
61 Meadowview Center
Kankakee, IL 60961
Telephone: (815) 936-0100
TTY: (815) 936-0132
Fax: (815) 936-0117
Email address: optionscil@hotmail.com
Contact: Ms. Kathryn Jackson
Persons served: people with disabilities
Brief description: Non-residential, not-for-profit, community-based organization that promotes independent living for people with disabilities; provides information and referral, advocacy, peer support, independent living skills training, free equipment loan, TTY distribution and training, and personal assistance program.
Accessibility: fully accessible
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
PACE, Inc
1317 E. Florida Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
Telephone: (217) 344-5433
TTY: (217) 344-5024
Fax: (217) 344-2414
Web address: www.pacecil.org
Contact: Ms. J. Hadley Ravencroft
Persons served: Champaign, Douglas, Edgar, Piatt and Vermilion County residents
Brief description: Persons Assuming Control of their Environment (PACE) offers services which assist persons with disabilities in achieving and/or maintaining independence. Our goal is full participation in society for persons with disabilities.
Qualifications: Must reside in Champaign, Douglas, Edgar, Piatt or Vermilion County
Accessibility: Wheel chair accessible building and parking
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.