Welcome to the Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL)
BCIL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit 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.
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.
Click here to view the recent Updates to The Ride Program letter
Upcoming Events
Supported Decision Making Workshop
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Presented by Emily Berheide, M.Ed., OTR/L Hosted by BCIL Youth Services As most adults know, the transition to adulthood is a process that goes on for many years, not something… Read More
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
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
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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
Latest News
HHS Civil Rights Office Tackles Health Care Discrimination Of People With Disabilities
ow.ly
New actions from the Office For Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services aim to fight discrimination against people with disabilities who have COVID-19, like being denied treatment.Amanda Gorman, Youth Poet Laureate, has speech and auditory processing issues
ow.ly
Get to know Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, who has speech and auditory processing issues. Read about Gorman’s journey, and watch as she recites her poetry.Beautiful Moments/ සුන්දර නිමේෂ (Sundara Nimesha)
ticketstripe.com
Abilities Dance Boston's dancers and composers have partnered with the University of Peradeniya's student dancers and musicians in Sri Lanka to create pieces for a virtual production premiering January 30th at 11:30 am EST (10:00 pm in Sri Lanka). This production reimagines what is possible when we....