The Ability Center for Independent Living (TACIL)

Freedom is a Right — Independence is a Choice

Welcome!

The Ability Center for Independent Living (TACIL) is happy to have you visit us to learn how we advocate for and assist people with disabilities in southern New Mexico. Our professional staff and active board of directors are dedicated to helping our consumers maintain their personal freedom at home, in the community, and throughout the state.

TACIL is a private, nonresidential, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) New Mexico corporation. As a center for independent living (CIL), TACIL provides a variety of services to promote independence, self-reliance, and community integration.

Mission Statement

Improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities by empowering them with the attitudes, knowledge, skills, and practices to live independently in American society.

Board of Directors

Ms. Ruth D. Rodriguez, President

Mr. Cesar Rodriguez, Vice-President

Rev. C. Neil Gibbs, Treasurer

Mr. Ed Misquez, Community Member

Our History

TACIL became a freestanding CIL and began providing independent living services to the southern part of the state on October 1, 1990. Originally called the Southern New Mexico Center for Independent Living, it was later known as the Disability Resource Center before being renamed The Ability Center for Independent Living in 2004.

TACIL is celebrating eighteen years of service to consumers living in the counties of Catron, Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Otero, and Sierra. Our Independent Living program provides the four core services of the Rehabilitation Act of 1992 to individuals of all ages and disabilities. These services are advocacy, information and referral, peer counseling, and life skills training.

New programs have been developed to offer other valuable services: our Disabled & Elderly Waiver program assists persons eligible for Medicaid-reimbursed services; the Traumatic Brain Injury program includes life skills training for individuals who are survivors of a traumatic brain injury; and our newest Social Security Representative Payee program helps recipients of social security benefits learn to make and follow a budget to pay for housing, utilities, food, clothing, transportation, and other living expenses.

TACIL is a recognized leader in New Mexico for developing and implementing innovative service programs for people with disabilities. As an organization on the cutting edge of disability education and rehabilitation, it is our goal to continue to offer outstanding service.