Our Independent living Philosophy

 
Advocates during the annual March For Our Rights in Washington D.C.

Advocates during the annual March For Our Rights in Washington D.C.

CILSF opened its doors in 1993 to address the tremendous needs of people with disabilities following Hurricane Andrew - thousands of people seeked assistance with transitioning back into the community and their lives after such a devastation. Since then, we have grown to provide a variety of services to our peers in the disability community of Miami-Dade County. Our core services are:

  • Individual and Systems Advocacy

  • Peer Support

  • Independent Living Skills Training

  • Information and Referral

  • Transitions: Community & Youth

We stay true to the independent living (IL) philosophy, and therefore, all of our services are person-centered. You as the consumer, along with your family and/or support system, identify the services you need, and together with our staff, map out a plan that will guide you in achieving your IL goals.

We are a non-profit 501(C)(3) corporation registered with the IRS and State of Florida and are a Center for Independent Living (CIL) as identified in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, funded through:

  • The Independent Living Administration in the Administration for Community Living with the US Department of Health and Human Services

  • The State of Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

  • Miami-Dade County, Office of Grants Coordination

  • Private corporations, businesses and foundations

  • Individual contributions from people, like you!