Housing Workshop - In-Person & by Zoom
2025-03-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-12-18 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | BCIL Offices, 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston Center for Independent Living, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
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 in your area. Our knowledgeable staff will answer all your questions and put you on the path to finding the housing that is right for you.
This workshop will teach you about:
• Types of housing available in the Boston area
• Navigating subsidized and affordable housing
• Conducting a housing search
• Communicating with housing authorities, agencies, and landlords
• Completing applications for state voucher programs
• How to request reasonable accommodations for your disability
Each workshop will include a period when you can ask questions.
To register: email Jackie at jmcglinchey@bostoncil.org with your full
name and phone number. You will receive a confirmation email from
Jackie that will include the Zoom webinar link and password.
To request reasonable accommodations, please let Jackie know when
you register.

Critical Forum on One Care, Senior Care Options, and CCA!
2025-03-18 14:00 - 15:00
The forum on One Care and Senior Care Options has been updated to focus especially on services provided by Commonwealth Care Alliance (CCA). Because of financial concerns, CCA is facing an uncertain future.
What is working for you with CCA in One Care and Senior Care Options programs?
What One Care and SCO services help with your health and independence?
March 18, 2:00 pm, by Zoom (register below)
Organized by Disability Advocates Advancing our Healthcare Rights (DAAHR)
The Disability Policy Consortium and Boston Center for Independent Living
One Care and Senior Care Options (SCO) will operate under new guidelines starting January 1, 2026. New health plans will be in the mix, too, and current ones may not be.
We need to let MassHealth and the health plans know what works for you, especially if you are a CCA member—this is critical as One Care and SCO face big changes. Your voice must be heard!
For more info contact the Boston Center for Independent Living at 617-338-6665 or the Disability Policy Consortium at 617-307-7775.
To register to attend, click here.

Learner's Permit Prep Group
2025-03-14 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-03-12 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-03-07 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-03-05 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-28 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-26 16:00 - 17:00
Registration is now closed for both Group A and Group B.
Study for your Permit Test with BCIL!
The Boston Center for Independent Living’s Transition to Adulthood Program is once again hosting our Learner’s Permit Prep Workshop series. This series will be 8 weeks of weekly study sessions, where students can go through the MA Driver’s Manual with a facilitator, as well as play review games and ask any driving-related questions they may have.
Group A: Wednesdays on Zoom February 26th to April 16th 4 – 5 pm
Group B: Fridays on Zoom February 28 to April 18th 4 – 5 pm

Rally for PCA Services!
2025-03-12 13:00 - 15:00
Last year the governor’s budget proposal would have cut 6,000 people from the PCA program. The community battled back and the cuts were taken off the table by the legislature.
This year’s budget spares the program— a reason to cheer—but it includes language that would result in people not getting services or PCAs not being able to get needed pay raises because of an artificial and indefinite cap that would be placed on spending on the PCA program starting in16 months (July 1, 2026).
Rally for PCA Services
March 12, 1:00 pm
State House, Boston, Bowdoin Street Entrance
We will rally outside and then visit the governor’s office to state our concerns about PCA services being restricted in 16 months.
For information contact BCIL at 617-338-6665 or email contactBCIL@bostoncil.org.
This rally is supported by BCIL and 1199SEIU and all members of the disability and PCA communities are welcome!
ASL interpreters have been requested.

Housing Workshop - In-Person & by Zoom
2025-03-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-02-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-12-04 10:00 - 12:00 | BCIL Offices, 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston Center for Independent Living, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
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 knowledgeable staff will answer all your questions and put you on the path to finding the housing that is right for you.
This workshop will teach you about:
• Types of housing available in the Boston area
• Navigating subsidized and affordable housing
• Conducting a housing search
• Communicating with housing authorities, agencies, and landlords
• Completing applications for state voucher programs
• How to request reasonable accommodations for your disability
Each workshop will include a period when you can ask questions.
To register: email Kat at kvilson@bostoncil.org with your full
name and phone number. You will receive a confirmation email from
Kat that will include the Zoom webinar link and password.
To request reasonable accommodations, please let Kat know when
you register.

RTAG Public Meeting
2025-02-27 15:00 - 17:00
Our next public meeting is on Zoom on February 27, from 3-5 pm. You can register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsd–rrzwpH9MxiKkDOk3uABmqsvAkI3UG

Learner's Permit Prep Group Information Session
2025-02-24 17:00 - 18:00
The Boston Center for Independent Living’s Transition to Adulthood Program is once again hosting our Learner’s Permit Prep Workshop series. This series will be 8 weeks of weekly study sessions, where students can go through the MA Driver’s Manual with a facilitator, as well as play review games and ask any driving-related questions they may have.
Eligibility:

High school students, ages 14-22 with a documented disability (i.e. Individualized Education Plan, 504 plan, other disability documentation). You are not required to submit your disability documentation to participate in this group.

To register, click here. Students under 18 must have a parent signature in order to participate.
There will be a mandatory Information Session on 2/24 at 5 PM on Zoom. The purpose of this session is to inform both parents and students of the Learner’s Permit process, and set ground rules for the group.
Click here for the Zoom link.
If you are unable to make it to this session, please reach out to ewalters@bostoncil.org.

The Foundry's February Festival
2025-02-21 14:00 - 16:00
On Friday, February 21 from 2-4PM, join us for our Cross-Community Resilience: Disability x LGBTQ+ Workshop. Come create your own personal identity flags with facilitators from Boston Center for Independent Living! This will be a space to creatively express your identities while engaging in discussion/learning about the intersections of the disability and LGBTQ+ communities, local activists, and how everyone can contribute towards accessibility and equality!
Register here: https://cambridge-foundry.checkfront.com/reserve/?preview=1&item_id=225

Housing Workshop - In-Person & by Zoom
2025-02-19 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-01-22 10:00 - 12:00 | BCIL Offices, 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston Center for Independent Living, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
Housing Workshop – In-Person & by Zoom
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 knowledgeable staff will answer all your questions and put you on the path to finding the housing that is right for you.
This workshop will teach you about:
• Types of housing available in the Boston area
• Navigating subsidized and affordable housing
• Conducting a housing search
• Communicating with housing authorities, agencies, and landlords
• Completing applications for state voucher programs
• How to request reasonable accommodations for your disability
Each workshop will include a period when you can ask questions.
To register: email Jackie at jmcglinchey@bostoncil.org with your full
name and phone number. You will receive a confirmation email from
Jackie that will include the Zoom webinar link and password.
To request reasonable accommodations, please let Jackie know when
you register.

Office closed
2025-02-17
The Boston Center for Independent Living will be closed Monday, February 17th in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday.

The Foundry's February Festival
2025-02-15 19:00 - 21:00
“BCIL’s Youth Services Team will be participating in The Foundry’s February Festival, which offers a range of programming over February break that both students and family members can participate in.
Agenda and information for the 2025 February Festival can be found here: https://www.cambridgefoundry.org/events/festival#Agenda
On Saturday, February 15 from 7-9PM, come join us for a screening of the film “The Ride Ahead”! Sam Habib, a 20-year-old disabled college student, documents his transition into adulthood while asking important questions to figures such as Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, and important disability advocates like Judith Heumann. There will be time after for independent living vision boarding — all ages are welcome to create their own vision boards/road maps for their futures! Staff from BCIL will be there to help and answer any questions about Boston Center for Independent Living.
Register here: https://cambridge-foundry.checkfront.com/reserve/?preview=1&item_id=217

2025 Financial Aid Workshop
2025-02-10 18:30 - 19:30
A Workshop all about Financial Aid!
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Loans, Scholarships, Fee Waivers and More!
The Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) is excited to invite you/your student(s) to our upcoming virtual Financial Aid Workshop!
The workshop will be open to all high school and college students with disabilities as well as parents and family members.
The purpose of this workshop is to give an overview of financial aid options for prospective and current college students. These include the FAFSA, scholarships, loans, and fee waivers.
This information will be helpful for those submitting the FAFSA this year, as well as those planning on applying to college within the next few years.
Date: Monday, February 10th, 2025
Time: 6:30-7:30PM
Location: On Zoom
The Zoom link and further details will be emailed to those who fill out the registration form.
To register, complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/fs8Ugf3SCd
Para la forma de inscripción en español, haga clic aquí: https://forms.microsoft.com/r/3s9aiZhtwr
Please reach out to ewalters@bostoncil.org with any questions.

RTAG General Meeting
2025-01-23 17:30 - 19:30
This is a forum where riders can provide input and feedback regarding accessible transportation. The group meets with the MBTA, Department of System-Wide Accessibility (SWA) and The RIDE.
Date: Thursday, January 23rd, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIudOGsrDMjGNXDiOF_2UzBW3SlwNdAN0FR
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing Zoom access information about joining the meeting.
RTAG meetings are accessible to people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. American Sign Language (ASL) will be provided for this meeting. Other accessibility accommodations and language services will be provided free of charge, upon request, as available.
If you have any questions or to request a reasonable accommodation or language services, please contact Kat at rtagboston@bostoncil.org or by phone at 978-893-8100.

Office closed
2025-01-20
The Boston Center for Independent Living will be closed Monday, January 20th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Virtual Housing Workshop
2025-01-08 10:00 - 12:00 | BCIL Offices, 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston Center for Independent Living, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
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 knowledgeable staff will answer all your questions and put you on the path to finding the housing that is right for you.
This workshop will teach you about:
• Types of housing available in the Boston area
• Navigating subsidized and affordable housing
• Conducting a housing search
• Communicating with housing authorities, agencies, and landlords
• Completing applications for state voucher programs
• How to request reasonable accommodations for your disability
Each workshop will include a period when you can ask questions.
To register: email Kat at kvilson@bostoncil.org with your full
name and phone number. You will receive a confirmation email from
Kat that will include the Zoom webinar link and password.
To request reasonable accommodations, please let Kat know when
you register.

Office closed
2025-01-01 00:00 - 23:30
The Boston Center for Independent Living will be closed Wednesday January 1st in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday.

Office closed
2024-12-25
The Boston Center for Independent Living will be closed Wednesday, December 25th, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Accessibility and Daniels-Finegold v. MBTA Settlement Update (Virtual)
2024-12-11 17:30 - 19:30
On December 11, 2024, the Department of System-Wide Accessibility will host a virtual public meeting, featuring the Honorable Judge Patrick King to report on the MBTA’s progress toward compliance with the Daniels-Finegold v. MBTA settlement agreement focused on accessibility. MBTA officials will be in attendance to provide updates and answer questions about ongoing accessibility initiatives. Presentations on the following topics will include:

Noteworthy updates within Operations
Efforts to reduce platform gaps throughout the Orange Line
The upcoming launch of a “hands-free fare gate” pilot

Register here: MBTA Accessibility Settlement Virtual Public Meeting
Accommodations
Spanish and ASL interpreters and live captioning will be provided. If you need additional accommodations, please email publicengagement@mbta.com or call 857-327-3282.

Office closed
2024-11-28 - 2024-11-29
The Boston Center for Independent Living will be closed Thursday, November 28th, and Friday November 29th, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

RTAG General Meeting
2024-11-21 17:30 - 19:30
This is a forum where riders can provide input and feedback regarding accessible transportation. The group meets with the MBTA, Department of System-Wide Accessibility (SWA) and The RIDE.
Date: Thursday, November 21st, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwudOCtpzwuHt3llarkTDMG3z7SoywCqFth
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing Zoom access information about joining the meeting.
RTAG meetings are accessible to people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. American Sign Language (ASL) will be provided for this meeting. Other accessibility accommodations and language services will be provided free of charge, upon request, as available.
If you have any questions or to request a reasonable accommodation or language services, please contact Kat at rtagboston@bostoncil.org or by phone at 978-893-8100.

BCIL Annual Meeting 2024
2024-11-20 18:30 - 19:30
Immigrants’ Rights – A Critical Discussion at the 2024 BCIL Annual Meeting
At BCIL’s annual meeting on Wednesday, November 20, at 6:30 p.m., we will feature Laura Rotolo, the Field Director for the American Civil Liberties Union, who’ll discuss immigrants’ rights and their intersection with disability rights.
Why immigrants’ rights? Because BCIL provides services to many immigrants, and in a time where there’s significant immigrant bashing, we will note that many of our staff are immigrants and that much of the workforce in health care, especially the PCA program, includes high numbers of immigrants. It’s absolutely no stretch to say that immigrants are a critical part of the independent living picture.
The meeting will be held virtually this year. Along with the discussion on immigrants’ rights, we will review the past year and update you on current advocacy campaigns. We’ll also have video’s marking BCIL’s 50th anniversary.
To register for the Zoom link, click here.
CART and ASL will be provided.
ADA reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. To submit a request, contact Austin O’Connor at aoconnor@bostoncil.org or (617) 338-6665. As part of your request, please include a description of the accommodation you will need and include as much detail as you can. Please provide your contact information in case we need more information. When possible, please allow at least seven days advance notice. Last-minute requests will be accepted but may be difficult to fill.
