DIRECT Center for Independence Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is the Independent Living Philosophy?
Control over one's life based on a choice of options that minimize reliance on others in making decisions and in performing everyday activities. This includes managing one's affairs, participating in day-to-day life in the community, fulfilling a range of social roles, and making decisions that lead to self-determination and the minimization of physical or psychological dependence upon others. Independence is a relative concept which each individual defines personally.
People view the varying levels of functioning as important distinctions of independence. Some individuals perceive physical activities such as dressing oneself to be important examples of their ability to live independently. On the other hand, others view any extra time and energy spent dressing themselves as time and energy which could be spent more profitably at work. In fact, whether one performs these particular activities oneself or relies on the assistance of others is relative with respect to the amount of control one exercises over one's own life.
Independent living is not dependent upon programs that foster functional independence. Instead it is based upon the individual's ability to choose and achieve a desired lifestyle and to function freely in society.
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What is the history of Independent Living?
The genesis of the Independent Living Movement began in Berkeley, CA with the establishment of the Center for Independent Living (CIL) in 1972. CIL was the first community-based consumer operated organization that combined both services and advocacy with the Cowell Hospital Resident Program for disabled students at the University of California in Berkeley.
In conjunction with UC Berkeley, the California Department of Rehabilitation established the Cowell Residence Program providing for disabled students to live on campus in Cowell Hospital while attending UC Berkeley. After some time, disabled students, angry over the rules and regulations imposed by the Department of Rehabilitation, attempted to find alternatives to the Cowell Resident Program.
This led to the development of the Physically Disabled Students Program (PDSP) in 1986. PDSP was organized and operated primarily by disabled students. It was at PDSP that the original concept of support services was conceived which..included at that time: housing (ramps and interior modifications); attendant referral; benefits counseling; wheelchair repair; and access to a modified van for student activities.
The Cowell Residence Program, PDSP and community disabled brought together for the first time large numbers of dialed people, enabling them to discuss and express their concerns regarding disability issues. A sense of unity, camaraderie, support, confidence and power evolved which facilitated the development of a community organization.
PDSP's help in lending space, supplies, telephone, and secretarial assistance enabled the CIL founders to begin the planning and development of CIL. CIL founders had little or no organizational experience, nor any "professional" background in the field of rehabilitation or service delivery. However, what they lacked in experience, they compensated for with dedication, motivation, and a commitment to succeed with their mission.
The Center for Independent Living was established in 1972. A small group of disabled people, comprised of community disabled, former students, and UC students implemented the idea of an organization run by and for disabled people. The organization objectives were to: 1) provide support services to enable disabled people with various types of disabilities to live independently in the community; 2) advocate for the elimination of the social economic and physical barriers that disabled people face daily.
It is important to note that the creation of the Center for Independent Living happened during an era of social change. Berkeley's political climate, at this time, was very receptive to new ideas. During the 60s and 70s, Berkeley was a catalyst for political and social, turmoil, such as anti-war demonstrations, support for Black civil rights and the women's movement. People living in Berkeley were benefactors. They realized that they too were denied their rights due to the tremendous gap in the services delivery systems.
The principles on which CIL was founded are still maintained today:
a) coalition of all disabilities
b) decision-making and control by disabled people
c) maximize choices of acceptable options for independent living
d) Executive Director must always be a disabled person Board of Directors, majority of whom must be disabled
The philosophical beliefs that CIL was founded on are the following:
a) People with disabilities should have the same rights as non-disabled people;
b) People with disabilities know best how to serve and empathize with people who have the same or similar disabilities;
c) People with disabilities should have the right to choose how to live their own lives, and the right to succeed or fail on their own;
d) People with disabilities can achieve an effective measure of independence only if they themselves actively engage in the process.
Word of CIL began to spread around the country, attracting many to move to Berkeley or set up their own Independent Living Programs (ILP). To encourage the development of ILP's, CIL set up a technical assistance department to help others setup a community based, consumer-operated ILP of their own.
As CIL's influence and impact broadened, it was able to participate in the development and the writing of Title VII of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and in 1979 California law, A.B. 204. CIL was the model incorporated in the formation of these two Significant pieces of legislation that provide funding for ILP's. Top of the Page What is an Independent Living Center (ILC)?
An Independent Living Center (ILC), also know as a Center for Independent Living (CIL), is a consumer controlled, community-based, cross-disability, non-residential nonprofit agency that is designed an operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities. Independent Living centers are advocacy organizations which also provide independent living services consistent with the Independent Living Philosophy.
* Consumer controlled means the center vests power and authority in individuals with disabilities
* Community based means it is designed by and for the local community
* cross disability means that it serves persons with all types of disabilities
* non-residential means the centers do not operate any type of residential facility.
What is the History of the DIRECT Center for Independence?
In 1980, DIRECT began operations under the name Metro Independent Living Center (MILC) through the efforts of dedicated volunteers. A year later MILC joined with Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, Inc. to obtain its first government funding to support agency programs. In 1987 MILC acquired their new building on Tyndall. At that time the name was changed to Disability Resource Center of Tucson (DIRECT). DIRECT was the first agency of its kind in Arizona serving as a non residential independent living center operated by and for persons with disabilities. DIRECT became incorporated on November 30, 1994 under the name DIRECT Center for Independence, Inc. and applied, and received, it's 501 (c)(3) status as an independent, nonprofit agency.
In the fall of 1987, DIRECT moved into its newly constructed, fully accessible facility at 1023 North Tyndall Avenue, Tucson, Arizona. The DIRECT building is a model of universal, barrier-free design suitable for persons with and without disabilities. Special features include wide hallways, large offices, accessible bathrooms and kitchen, and a fully accessible work space for administrative office staff. The large meeting room is available for use by organizations and groups addressing disability issues.
It is the mission of the DIRECT Center for Independence, Inc. (DIRECT) to enhance the options available to persons with significant disabilities so that they may choose, achieve, and maintain individualized lifestyles. To this end, DIRECT offers independent living services, public education and awareness programs, and advocates for community change.
DIRECT respects the abilities, needs and civil rights of persons with significant disabilities. Therefore, DIRECT works toward integration of persons with significant disabilities into community life.
In keeping with this philosophy, DIRECT is a consumer operated and consumer oriented organization that requires active consumer involvement in the achievement of its mission.
To achieve this mission, DIRECT offers independent living services, public education and awareness programs, and community advocacy.
Independent living services provided by DIRECT include: information and referral related to disability issues; peer support counseling; independent living skill training (cooking/nutrition, money management, bus mobility, socialization/ recreation); self-advocacy training on a broad range of disability issues; low income and wheelchair accessible housing referrals; home adaptations; and personal assistance management training.
Funding for the above services are received from the Rehabilitation Services Administration, Arizona State Department of Economic Security; United Way, Pima County, City of Tucson, Community Development Block Grant Program and private contributions. There is no fee to the consumer for DIRECT services.
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How many Independent Living Centers are there?
There are over 400 Independent Living Centers nationwide, five are located in the state of Arizona. The best way to contact a center outside of Arizona is by contacting the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) and follow the link to “National Directory for centers for Independent Living”.
Where are the Independent Living Centers located in Arizona?
The five Centers in Arizona are located at:
This is the DIRECT Center for Independence, Incorporated Website
Our contact information is on our home page @ DIRECT
Arizona bridge to Independent Living (ABIL)
1229 E. Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85034
602.256.2245
ABIL
New Horizons
8085 E. Manley Dr.
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
520.772.1266
New Horizons
ASSIST To Independence (ASSIST)
P O Box 4133
Tuba City “Navajo Nation”
928.283.6672
ASSIST
Services Maximizing Independent Living (SMILE)and Empowerment
1929 S. Arizona Ave. Suite 12
Yuma, AZ
928.329.6681
SMILE
Arizona also offers a “virtual Independent Living Center”:
CyberCIL
CyberCIL
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What are independent living services?
Independent living services are services that maximize a person’s ability to live independently in the place of their choosing.
What services do Independent living Centers provide?
Independent Living centers provide the four core services, and in addition, other compatible services which are designed to meet the needs of people in the local community. The four core services offered buy all Independent Living Centers nationwide include: Information & referral, Independent living Skills Training, peer Counseling/Mentoring and Individual and Systems Advocacy. Centers nationwide offer a wide variety of services in addition to the four core services depending upon the local community and funding availability. Examples of additional services includes: home access modifications, transportation programs, benefits counseling, employment programs, youth programs, personal assistance services, and computer training.
What is the Statewide Independent Living Council and how does it relate to the CIL's in Arizona?
The Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is responsible for overseeing the five Centers for Independent Living in Arizona.
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