General Services

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Community Reintegration

We help eligible persons with disabilities plan and carry out a move from a nursing home to their own home or apartment. We can pay for certain one-time moving expenses and household goods. We connect individuals with other services such as independent living skills, peer mentoring, advocacy and information and referral. Anyone who lives in a nursing facility and meets program requirements may be eligible.

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Personal Assistant Program

We assist individuals with disabilities to hire, train, and manage personal assistants (PAs) to help with daily tasks needed to live at home independently. We refer PAs to be hired and employed by individuals with disabilities. How do I become a Personal Assistant (PA)? If you want to work as a PA and be on our referral list, you must complete our application and attend an orientation. If you are wanting to complete an application, you can do so online or download a PDF and send the completed application via email to melissa@lifecil.org or send to our Bloomington office: 2201 Eastland Drive, Suite 1, Bloomington, IL 61704. How do I hire my own personal assistant? Contact our office for more information.

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Seniors with Vision Loss

We help seniors 55 and older with severe vision loss maintain independent lifestyles. We provide free low vision aids such as magnifiers, large print items, and talking devices. We arrange community Orientation and Mobility training, teach sighted-guide techniques and suggest small home adaptations for increased safety.

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Others with Vision Loss or Blindness

We have funds through the Cox Estate Bequest that allow us to purchase wheelchairs for persons of any age who are blind and with certain costs associated with getting a guide or assistance dog. The Cox Bequest also helps with other products, devices and services based on the consumer’s needs.

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Housing Lists

LIFE CIL is a non-residential organization. We assist persons with disabilities who are looking for housing. We provide lists of many rentals in our service area.

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Advocating for Accessible Communities

We believe that people with disabilities should have the same rights and opportunities as people without disabilities. Everyone should be able to live life freely and without barriers. We work to increase access to buildings, transportation, housing, healthcare, communication, assistive technology, education and employment. We work to increase disability awareness and to change attitudes that exclude people with disabilities from full participation in community life.

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Learn About Rights and Responsibilities

We teach skills that help individuals with disabilities to understand their rights and responsibilities and how to protect those rights. We teach about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Housing, Illinois Human Rights Act, and other laws relating to disability and housing.

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Fast Track Transition

We educate students and young adults with disabilities how to live independently. We assist youth with disabilities in transitioning from high school to adult life. We are available to visit schools and youth organizations to present these services and conduct classes. Classes can also be provided individually.

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LIFE’s Leaders

Are you 14-24 years old? Do you feel uneasy when asked about your plans after high school?

LIFE CIL hosts a group that can help. Join LIFE’s Leaders for some food, fun, and conversations where you can make friends and build leadership skills.

LIFE’s Leaders is a group for young adults aged 14-24 who have a disability. You are welcome to bring a friend!

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Amplified Phones

We are a selection center for the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC) amplified phone program. You must complete an application and be a resident of Illinois, have a hearing loss (your physician or audiologist will need to certify your hearing loss) and provide proof of phone service (landline and/or cellular). Amplified phones and cellular amplifiers are available free through this program.

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Durable Medical Equipment Loan

We loan certain durable medical equipment free of charge for up to 90 days: walkers, wheelchairs, canes, crutches, commodes, raised toilet seats, shower seats and more. Equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We can only reserve for same-day pick up.

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Community Advocacy Training

We teach how to take action to advance equal opportunity for all persons with disabilities. Participants will learn about the disability rights movement, find their personal power and voice, and speak out and make changes that will help all persons with disabilities. They will also learn how to get involved in the legislative process to create change.

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Public Awareness and Technical Support

We offer a wide range of training workshops, discussions, and evaluations on a variety of topics.
Some of the things we consult and train on are:

Disability Awareness & Etiquette
Disability language
Disability Rights History
Ableism
Event accessibility
Site accessibility surveys
Disability related laws

We have worked with a variety of organizations to create more inclusive and accessible opportunities for all and educate our partners on how to implement long-lasting organizational practices regarding disability.

We recognize that the topic of disability can be overwhelming and intimidating. We incorporate conversations in our trainings and create space for questions and conversation that might not otherwise happen during regular seminars.

Core Services

Home and Community Based

Vision Loss

Housing Services

Youth Programs

Equipment

Consulting and Training

Services Overview