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The Central Illinois Center for Independent Living (CICIL) is an
organization managed by and for people with disabilities. We are
dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities to achieve a higher
quality of life through comprehensive programs that promote individual
growth. To fulfill this mission, CICIL provides services combined with
advocacy for social change to allow greater integration of persons with
disabilities into the mainstream of community life.
Persons with disabilities are the best judges of the direction of their
own lives. They must have the opportunity to rely on their own resources
and ingenuity to acquire the rights and benefits to which they are
entitled. Every person with a disability has the right to participate to
the fullest extent in the economical and political life of the community.
Illinois Centers for Independent Living were first established in the
late 1970's in Chicago and Rockford. In 1985, the Illinois General
Assembly appropriated funds through the Department of Rehabilitation
services to establish the Central Illinois Center for Independent Living
(CICIL).
CICIL is a non-residential, community based organization, which provides
resource and advocacy services to persons with disabilities. We serve
residents in Peoria, Tazewell, Fulton, and Woodford counties. We differ
from traditional service agencies because we are staffed and governed
primarily by persons with disabilities. This brings a positive
perspective based on personal experience with a disability and an
understanding of barriers faced and the potential for success.
An equally important difference is a philosophy of consumer control. We
do not direct our consumers, make decisions for them, or tell them what
to do. We serve as a resource and mentor, empowering consumers with the
skills necessary to direct their own lives, set their own goals, and plan
the necessary steps to achieve those goals.
CICIL works within our community to bring about positive change in
attitudes and accessibility, creating an open and welcoming environment
for citizens with disabilities. By participating in community events,
networking with other agencies, and conducting presentations, we create
an awareness of disability issues.
Advocacy is also a vital component of CICIL. We are the voice within our
community, which exposes discriminatory policies and practices
detrimental to persons with disabilities. That voice is supported by an
involved group of people who work with community leaders to bring about
change. Consumers are taught self-advocacy skills so they are prepared to
deal with discrimination if it confronts them.
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The American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives civil rights to
individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to other
Americans on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, and
religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with
disabilities in public accommodation, employment, transportation, state
and local government services, and telecommunications.
Employment - Title I of the ADA requires that private employers
with 15 or more employees may not discriminate against qualified
individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may require job
restructuring, altering workstations, and modifying equipment. Employment
activities covered include the application and interview process,
advancement, wages, and benefits.
Government Services - Pursuant to Title II of the ADA, state and
local government entities cannot discriminate against individuals with
disabilities in the provision of their programs, services, and
activities. In addition, public transportation systems, such as public
transit and commuter rail systems must be accessible.
Places of Public Accommodation - Under Title III of the Act, all
new construction and modifications of existing facilities must be
accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. For existing
facilities, barriers to goods and services must be removed if doing so is
readily achievable. Places of Public Accommodation include Private
entities such as stores, hotels, and restaurants.
Telecommunications - Title IV mandates the operation of all
federally financed public service announcements.
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