How can an independent living center help me if I have a disability?

Shelley Peterman Schwarz

Neurology

More than 500 community-based, nonprofit independent living centers serve people of all ages and disabilities and their families. Their goals are to provide information and referrals, advocacy, peer support, and independent living skills training.

These centers can:

Assist you in finding out about disability services in your community.
Connect you with others to advocate for changes in the law or rules.
Help you hire and manage personal care attendants.
Put you in contact with people who have faced challenges similar to your own.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Physical Disabilities

Physical disabilities can be sensory, where there are problems with sight, hearing or speech, or they may impair motor function, so that movement is restricted or imprecise. Injuries may cause a disability, and disease such as a heart condition may also make normal exertion impossible. Some disabilities start at birth - congenital disabilities. Others are acquired during life. If you have a disability, it is almost certain that there are many others who do also. Most conditions have support groups or associations that have grown up relating to the problem. These groups may offer specialized help to minimize the effect of the condition.

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