Causes

Human services Diversity & inclusion Employment services

Posted by

CIL O.

Volunteer manager

Our mission

CIL, in partnership with the community, promotes inclusion of people with disabilities by eliminating architectural, communication and attitudinal barriers. CIL provides education, resources and training to enhance self-determination through informed choice.

What we do

Foundations to Freedom Program
CIL's Foundations to Freedom offers customized home modifications and durable medical and accessible equipment to increase home & community accessibility and eliminate the need to relocate to a facility, allowing individuals to age in place. By helping people with disabilities break down the physical barriers that prevent them from being able to safely access, stay, and enjoy living in their home individuals can maintain a high quality of life that has shown to improve mental and physical well-being. Services include:
* Custom installations of wheelchair ramps
* Widening of interior doorways
* Bathroom modifications
* Kitchen modifications
* Grab bars
* Durable medical equipment
* Amplified phones

Step Ahead Program
CIL's Step Ahead Program assists young adults in transitioning from school to work, post-secondary school, employment, or in obtaining a GED by holistically addressing the needs of young adults and immersing them in a supportive learning environment.

CIL's Step Ahead offers immersive guidance to learn marketable job skills through readiness training, career exploration, job shadowing, resume building, work-based internships, and support in achieving their self-determined goals. Students in this program receive hands-on 1 on 1 instruction as well as advocacy training and paid internship and employment placement. Additionally, participants in any Step Ahead program are eligible to receive all other services CIL offers.

Aspire to Hire Program
CIL's Aspire to Hire program assists job seekers in identifying, magnifying, and leveraging their unique abilities to find and maintain inclusive, competitive, and meaningful employment.
Through partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation, CIL's Aspire to Hire program offers a variety of services which include:
* Pre-employment skills training
* Self-advocacy
* On the job training (OJT)
* Peer mentoring

In addition to these services, Aspire to Hire participants are eligible to receive all CIL's other services. After being placed in a job, CIL's employment specialists provide a job coaching and support to ensure that both employee and employer can address all concerns on the job and ensure the best employment outcomes.

Community Inclusion Program
CIL's Community Inclusion program helps individuals find and use resources and services appropriate to meet their goals regardless of age or ability. Case Managers work closely with individuals to assess their needs, develop independent living plans, provide information and referrals, research appropriate resources, and coordinate and monitor individual services to ensure positive outcomes. Additionally, CIL's Community Inclusion facilitates the transition of people in institutions back to their homes.
Community Inclusion works closely with individuals by providing services which include:
* Advocacy
* Skills training
* Information and referral
* Peer support
* Navigation of community
* Applying for benefits
* Appealing denial of benefits
* Transition from facilities to home
* Government sponsored programs
These person-centered services help people attain and maintain their independence. In addition, counseling and planning services facilitate transitions from assisted living or nursing homes back to private residences. CIL's Community Inclusion team follows through to ensure that Community Inclusion participants achieve their goals.