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

Office closed

Monday, October 14, 2024
12:00am - 11:59pm

The Boston Center for Independent Living will be closed Monday, October 14th, in observance of the Indigenous People's Day holiday. Read More

Housing Workshop - In-Person & by Zoom

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
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

Virtual Housing Workshop

Wednesday, November 6, 2024
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

Empowering Students through the IEP Process Workshop The Boston Center for Independent Living is hosting a virtual workshop to discuss the ways we can support youth and young adults with disabilities in their IEP process. We will discuss the changes to the IEP process due to Massachusetts' IEP Improvement Project, ways students can participate in their IEP process, and how to prepare for an IEP meeting. There will also be time for questions at the end. Date: Tuesday, October 1st 2024 Time: 5:30-6:30 PM Virtual: On ZoomEligibility: Students, parents, family members, educators and friends of youth/young adults with disabilities are welcome to attend. The workshop will focus on transition aged youth (14-22).Register at: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGU1hJCGumHELxL95r3e1xsL1v0qi5OWGFtRMiJRmaXcp7ng/viewform. If you have any questions, please reach out to Liz Walters at ewalters@bostoncil.org. ... See MoreSee Less
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September is #CerebralPalsyAwareness Month. Cerebral Palsy is the most common childhood motor disability. But #CP is not just a childhood disability. With better health research, we can learn the needs of adults with Cerebral Palsy as they age. Spread the word about the importance of disability inclusion in health research. #JoinAllofUs at: bit.ly/AllofUsInclusion-FB#GoGreen4CP #AllofUsInclusion ... See MoreSee Less
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