MassHealth Statement on health care protections for members of the LGBTQ community
Due to COVID-19 our offices are closed and all staff is working remotely. To reach us, please call or email contactBCIL@bostoncil.org.
BCIL has a limited supply of masks from the state—though unfortunately no gloves were provided. Please fill out the form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BCILmasks to obtain masks from BCIL. If you can’t use the form for any reason, please leave your name, address and need for masks at 617-338-6665.
If you are on the PCA program, your PCA can obtain masks from 1199SEIU, the PCA union, by going to http://www.bit.ly/1199masks
We ask that you do not request masks if you currently have a supply— we wish to focus on those persons who are in short supply or have none.
Information on the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
COVID-19 Information for PCA Consumers
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
Travel Training Summer Workshop Series for Youth Ages 16 - 22
Monday, July 6, 202010:00am - 1:00pm
Join us this summer as we work together to:
- Build and strengthen community safety skills
- Prac... Read MoreMonday, July 6, 2020
12:00pm - 1:30pmCook-A-Long- In this 9-week Zoom-based workshop we will be cooking along together, starting with basic food preparation skills, and building up... Read More
Job and Volunteer Search Club - Youth Workshop
Monday, July 6, 2020
2:00pm - 3:00pmJob and Volunteer Search Club- Join us on Zoom to explore summer job and volunteer opportunities. Topics will include risks and benefits of “... Read More
Latest News
For many, the fireworks are the “icing” on the cake of the 4th of July. But for individuals w/ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), explosions & noisy displays can raise anxiety levels & bring back traumatic memories
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image: 2 children watching fireworks
How to manage PTSD on the 4th of July
ow.ly
Declare your own independence from debilitating fears with these techniquesBCIL will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of the 4th of July holiday. Please have a safe holiday weekend!
Start the conversation about mental health.
#ItsOk not to feel okay.
Order your free copy of Isaac's Story.
The COVID pandemic has altered how people are living—less interaction with others, more isolation, less income, and more stresses in some cases. Such situations can result in neglect, abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
If this is happening to you or a friend or neighbor or a family member, you can contact the resources below or BCIL, and we will assist you to get the support you may need from one of these resources.
• Disabled Persons Protection Commission: 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).
• Boston Area Rape Crisis Center: For assistance 24 hours a day, call their hotline at 800-841-8371
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 / 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) or SafeLink at 877-521-2601 / 877-521-2601 (TTY)
• Futures Without Violence: Resources for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault www.futureswithoutviolence.org/get-updates-information-covid-19/
You are not alone. Please reach out if you need help.
You can call BCIL at 617-338-6665 or send an email to contactBCIL@bostoncil.org.
