Independent Living Program

Definition of Program

The Independent Living Program (IL) at TACIL was created to provide individuals with the four core services mandated by the Rehabilitation Act of 1992. These services are:

Information and Referral
Individual and Systems Advocacy
Peer Support
Independent Living Skills Training

Reason for Existence

IL exists to:

Advocate for systems change, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures which create and maintain equal access for people with disabilities who want to live independently in the communities of their choice
Be community-based and community responsive
Represent different disability groups and be “cross-disability” in approach and composition

IL assists disabled persons in many ways. Providing information and education on ADA requirements, for both the consumer and their community, comprise the majority of our efforts. Other ways that we help our consumers are:

Assist reintegration into the community following the onset of a disability
Teach skills and develop confidence to learn self-advocacy
Compile information on the resources available in their community
Implement new services to address the needs of consumers and their communities

Services in Program

Direct Services

Advocacy/Legal services
Assistive devices/equipment
Children’s services
Communication services
Counseling and related services
Family services
Housing, home modifications, and shelter services
Independent living skills training and life skills training services
Information and referral
Mental restoration
Mobility training
Peer counseling
Physical restoration
Preventative services
Prostheses and other appliances
Recreation
Rehabilitation technology
Therapeutic treatment
Transportation
Vocational services
Youth services

Indirect Services

Collaboration/Networks
Community and systems advocacy
Community education/integration services
Publications
Registry/Library/Database maintenance

Eligibility Requirements

TACIL provides services to people of all disabilities and all ages.

Traditional Funding Sources

The Rehabilitation Services Administration, through the auspices of the United States Department of Education, is the primary source of funding for IL.

Similar Programs in Area

The Statewide Independent Living Council reports a total of six centers for independent living in the following areas: Farmington, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Roswell, Las Cruces (TACIL), and Alamogordo.