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
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
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, December 16, 2020
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, January 6, 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
With no word from the Mayor of Waltham, the Greater Boston Holiday Light Show will open this Friday at the former Fernald School at 5 PM. We'll be there to protest. Will you join us? This will be a peaceful protest, intended to draw attention to the history that is being shaded out behind these lights.
MBTA Semi-Annual Public Meeting on Accessibility— 12/2/20, 1-3 PM
Judge Patrick King, the Independent Monitor overseeing the MBTA/BCIL Settlement, will be hosting his semi-annual public meeting on December 2, 2020. The Judge will be discussing the MBTA’s progress towards compliance with the settlement agreement. Additionally, MBTA leadership will be sharing updates regarding the current budget crisis and proposals to address the budget while working to preserve service for riders who depend on it the most, including older adults and riders with disabilities.
Please visit www.mbta.com/events/2020-12-02/public-meeting-accessibility-and-bcil-settlement-update for details including Zoom information. Meeting agenda and full report regarding accessibility initiatives will be posted before the meeting.
ASL interpreters and live captioning will be provided. If you need any additional accommodations, email SWA@mbta.com or call 617-222-5254.
Want to submit a question beforehand?
Time for live Q&A will be provided. However, if you would like to submit a question in advance, we will read them (time permitting) at the meeting. Email your question to SWA@mbta.com.
We hope to see you there!
Note: This meeting will focus on bus, subway, and Commuter Rail accessibility, not THE RIDE.
Great news!
American Airlines Reverses Policy That Imposed Weight Limit On Wheelchairs
www.npr.org
American Airlines reversed a recent policy that banned wheelchairs weighing more than 300 pounds, which includes many power wheelchairs, from some of its regional jets following an NPR report.We are poised to add several hundred housing vouchers to the Alternative Housing Voucher Program!
YOU can help us make this happen by calling Chairman Rodrigues and Michlewitz of the Senate and House Ways and Means Committees:
Michael Rodrigues
Michael.Rodrigues@masenate.gov
(617) 722-1114
Aaron Michlewitz
Aaron.M.Michlewitz@mahouse.gov
(617) 722-2990
Our message: Please accept the Senate's $12.5 million figure for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP, 7004-9030) into the final budget to add 450 vouchers for disabled people. This program is critical in the face of evictions and the thousands of people dying in congregate settings who need affordable housing to get out.
