Welcome to the Boston Center for Independent Living  (BCIL)

BCIL is a 501(c)(3) organization that has provided services to people with disabilities since 1974, when it became the second independent living center in the country. The organization was created by people with disabilities seeking full integration into society. BCIL accomplishes this by empowering people of all ages with a wide range of disabilities with the practical skills and self-confidence to take control over their lives and become active members of the communities in which they live. At the same time, BCIL engages in advocacy and community organizing to promote access and change within society.

Our Mission Statement

The Boston Center for Independent Living is a frontline civil rights organization led by people with disabilities that advocates to eliminate discrimination, isolation and segregation by providing advocacy, information and referral, peer support, skills training, PCA services, and transitional services in order to enhance the independence of people with disabilities.

Our Antiracism Statement

The Boston Center for Independent Living commits to making all aspects of our work antiracist, not only because it is just but also because it is necessary to serve and represent our community of people with disabilities. We commit to purposefully identifying, discussing, and challenging issues of race and ethnicity to address the impact they have on our organization, our work, and our people. Moreover, we will add our voice and advocacy to similar antiracist efforts in our community.

 

If you suspect abuse or neglect of a person with disabilities, please contact the Disabled Persons Protection Commission hotline at 1-800-426-9009 or 1-888-822-0350 TTY (ages 18-59), the Executive Office of Elder Affairs at 1-800-922-2275 (ages 60+), the Department of Public Health 1-800-462-5540 (all Ages residing in Long Term Care Facilities), and the Department of Children and Families at 1-800-792-5200 (ages birth-17). The DPPC Sexual Assault Response Unit can be reached at 617-727-6465.

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

Youth Summer Workshops

Tuesday, July 16, 2024
1:00pm - 2:30pm

Want to learn skills to live independently in the community? Attend our workshops and community days! The Boston Center for Independent Living is once again hosting a series of Summer… Read More

Youth Summer Workshops

Wednesday, July 17, 2024
10:00am - 1:00pm

Want to learn skills to live independently in the community? Attend our workshops and community days! The Boston Center for Independent Living is once again hosting a series of Summer… Read More

Youth Summer Workshops

Thursday, July 18, 2024
10:00am - 11:30am

Want to learn skills to live independently in the community? Attend our workshops and community days! The Boston Center for Independent Living is once again hosting a series of Summer… Read More

Latest News

Happy Throwback Thursday! Here's a picture from the early 2000s when Joanne Daniels-Finegold, the lead plaintiff in the class action lawsuit against the MBTA, and other advocates addressed the press regarding the necessity of accessible public transportation.#ThrowbackThursday #AccessibleTransit #IndependentLiving #PublicTransportation #DisabilityRights #BCIL ... See MoreSee Less
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Researchers estimate that more than half a million people in the US have Crohn’s disease, a chronic illness affecting the digestive tract and intestines. Many people may not be aware that Crohn’s is an invisible disability. Remission is possible through medical interventions, and more research can lead to breakthroughs in treatment! Joining the All of Us Research Program is a great way to help be a voice to raise awareness in the way invisible disabilities are seen and treated. Visit bit.ly/AllofUsInclusion-FB to learn more.#AllofUsInclusion #JoinAllofUs ... See MoreSee Less
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Save the Date for ADA Day 2024 on Boston City Hall Plaza! Mark your calendar for Wednesday July 17, 2024 from 12-2pm! Register at: ow.ly/Iifu50Swzjm ... See MoreSee Less
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