Independent Living Resources

Texas Project FIRST resources related to Independent Living:

Texas Education Agency resources related to Independence for individuals with disabilities:

Transition in Texas Student Centered Transition Network
Next Steps to Independence Skills & Strategies – Student Centered Transition Network

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American Association of Persons with Disabilities – AAPD is a disability rights organization that promotes equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities.

ARCIL, Inc. – ARCIL, Inc. of Austin, Texas provides independent living services to persons with disabilities, their families and communities throughout Travis and surrounding counties. “Browse ARCIL\’s website to find out more information about activities, services, mission, locations and other local, state and national resources available for persons with disabilities, family members, professionals or anybody interested in the independent living movement.”

Center for Parent Information & Resources – See Independent Living Connections.

Charting the Life Course – Focus on Adulthood Guides

Client Assistance Program (CAP) in Texas – The Client Assistance Program (CAP) has been established by the Rehabilitation Act to provide assistance to people applying for and receiving vocational rehabilitation services or independent living services. In Texas, CAP is administered by Disability Rights Texas.

Coalition for Barrier Free Living – This is the website for the Coalition for Barrier Free Living, which includes the Houston, Brazoria County and Fort Bend Centers for Independent Living. Their mission is to “promote the full inclusion, equal opportunity and participation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of community life.” See MyHome MyChoice.

Disability Rights Texas – See Community Living Resources and Housing Resources.

Easter Seals Central Texas – Their Community and Housing Services program provides support for people with disabilities and their families, including home purchases, residential accessibility, rental assistance, assistive technology, and advocacy.

Easter Seals Greater Houston – Through the Home of Your Own Program, Easter Seals helps people with disabilities who are low to moderate income and first-time homebuyers.

Empowering Ability – Supporting our loved ones with developmental disabilities to be valued citizens and create their own Awesome ‘Ordinary’ Life.

FDIC Money Smart – A comprehensive financial education curriculum designed to help low and moderate income individuals (including those with disabilities) outside the financial mainstream enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships.

HCBS Clearinghouse – The Home & Community Based Clearinghouse promotes the development and expansion of home and community-based services with this online library of resources and tools for research, policy making and program development.

ILRU: Independent Living Research Utilization – ILRU is a national center for information, training, research, and technical assistance in independent living sponsored by TIRR (The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research). The website features publications, training modalities, and other resources, including an international directory of independent living centers.

Independent Living Institute – This is the web site of the ILI, which “offers resources for people with extensive disabilities and develops consumer driven policies for self-determination, self-respect and dignity.” It includes a database of articles and resources; a Personal Assistant Referral Database; and other web links.

Linking Employment Abilities and Potential (LEAP) – Innovative Independent Living Project manual to guide people to set up independent living solutions.

National Council on Independent Living – “As a membership organization, NCIL advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities through consumer-driven advocacy. NCIL envisions a world in which people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully.” NCIL’s Advocacy Monitor keeps advocates abreast of current news and policy issues that impact the lives of persons with disabilities.

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research – The NIDRR’s purpose is to “conduct comprehensive and coordinated programs of research and related activities to maximize full inclusion, social integration, employment, and independent living of disabled individuals of all ages.”

Person Directed Planning Guidelines (pdf) – This document is a resource from Texas Health & Human Services. The document provides direction to individuals, families, professionals, providers, and local authorities in developing a person directed plan with emphasis on self-determination and the achievement of personal outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities receiving community services and supports.

Reach Resource Centers on Independent Living – Provides services for people with disabilities so that they are able to lead self-directed lives.

Research and Training Center on Independent Living (University of Kansas) – The RTC/IL conducts research that can be used to enhance Independent Living (IL) for people with disabilities. The web site provides links IL to resources and highlights RTC/IL projects, which cover a range of issues – including vocational rehab, transportation, housing, emergency preparedness, and access to healthcare – that influence community living for people with disabilities.

Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) – Community Living Position Statement and Resources.

Texas Health & Human Services – Independent Living (IL) Services help people with disabilities achieve greater independence in the home and community. Use the directory on this site to find location and contact information for centers for independent living that provide IL services to eligible Texans with disabilities.

Texas State Independent Living Council – From the SILC home page, you can download a copy of the Texas State Plan for Independent Living and find a Current List of Texas Centers for Independent Living (Excel Document).