Goal: Texans with disabilities will receive support in their pursuit of independent and integrated living in their communities by increasing the number of Centers for Independent Living (CIL) in unserved and under-served areas statewide, with full parity achieved over the next twenty years.
Problem: The network of Centers for Independent Living in Texas currently provides services to people with disabilities in 148 counties statewide. As a result, people with disabilities in 108 counties statewide are without the supports necessary to establish and maintain independent living.
Recommendation: The Texas Legislature needs to support the establishment of three (3) new Centers for Independent Living and appropriate $1.5 million for the 2010 biennium for this effort as requested in the DARS Legislative Appropriations Request. Targeted areas for new Centers are: College Station, Collin County, Galveston, San Angelo, and Sherman.
Background: Centers for Independent Living are designed to assist individuals with all types of disabilities and of all ages to function as independently as possible in their communities. Twenty-three Texas CILs promote the full inclusion, equality, opportunity and participation of people with disabilities in every aspect of community life by:
Justification: Centers for Independent Living provide an economic and employment stimulus to communities by reducing individual dependence on State and local programs, bringing in federal funds, and supporting people with disabilities to achieve self-sufficiency.