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

Virtual Housing Workshop

Wednesday, October 4, 2023
10:00am - 12:00pm

Virtual Housing Workshop Join us on the first and third Wednesday of every month to learn more about and how to apply for affordable housing options in your area. Our… Read More

Housing Workshop - In-Person & by Zoom

Wednesday, October 18, 2023
10:00am - 12:00pm

Housing Workshop - In-Person & by Zoom Join3 us on the first and third Wednesday of every month to learn more about and how to apply for affordable housing options… Read More

Consumer-PCA Meet & Greet

Wednesday, October 18, 2023
1:30pm - 3:30pm

Come to the next consumer-employer & PCA meet and greet in 2023. PCAs meet consumers. Consumers meet PCAs. BostonPCA Consumer Meet and Greet 2023 Read More

Latest News

RTAG General Meeting Date: Thursday, September 14, 2023Time: 3:00 PM–5:00 PMLocation: via Zoom. Register at us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYucuuvrjgtHdJs463G5tWJiH61uAh_le7p#/registrationThis month’s Agenda:1. Welcome & Zoom Directions2. RTAG Co-Chair Update – Elizabeth Foster3. SWA Updates - Laura Brelsford, AGM of System-Wide Accessibility a. Accessibility-Related Marketing Campaign4. Feedback Session for SWA5. The RIDE Updates - Michele Stiehler - Chief of Paratransit Services a. Self-service texting updateb. Software procurement updatec. More information on the status of UZURV and CURBd. RIDE eligibility reminders6. Feedback Session for the RIDE7. Closing RemarksRegister in advance for the RTAG General Meeting at: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYucuuvrjgtHdJs463G5tWJiH61uAh_le7p#/registrationThe Riders' Transportation Access Group (RTAG) is a customer organization with a mission to advise the MBTA on transportation issues that affect people with disabilities and older adults. Please join us for our upcoming general meeting.All RTAG meetings are accessible to people with disabilities and people with limited English proficiency. Real-time captioning (CART) and an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be provided for this meeting. Other accessibility accommodations and language services will be provided free of charge, upon request, as available.To request a reasonable accommodation or language services, please email rtagboston@bostoncil.org or call Kat at 978-893-8100 at least two weeks before the meeting. ... See MoreSee Less
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Nothing About Us Without Us means No Health Research About Us Without Us.Disability advocates from across the country came together to endorse the All of Us Research Program. Listen to their voices of support in this new video: youtu.be/P58FCYIbBGY#JoinAllOfUs #AllofUsInclusion ... See MoreSee Less
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