Get To Know Us

WELCOME TO THE BOSTON CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING (BCIL)

BCIL is a 501(c)(3) 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.

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BCIL Provides the Five “CoreServices” of Independent Living Centers:

1

Peer Mentoring

2

Skills Training

3

Information
& Referral

4

Advocacy

5

Transition

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.

Our Antiracism Statement

The Boston Center for Independent Living commits to making all aspects of our work antiracist, not only because it is just but also because it is necessary to serve and represent our community of people with disabilities. We commit to purposefully identifying, discussing, and challenging issues of race and ethnicity to address the impact they have on our organization, our work, and our people. Moreover, we will add our voice and advocacy to similar antiracist efforts in our community.

More to Explore

Board of Trustees
Staff
FAQs
Membership

Service Areas

The Boston Center for Independent Living serves residents of the following towns and cities:

  • Acton
  • Arlington
  • Bedford
  • Belmont
  • Boston
  • Braintree
  • Brookline
  • Burlington
  • Cambridge
  • Canton
  • Carlisle
  • Chalsea
  • Concord
  • Dedham
  • Everett
  • Lexington
  • Lincoln
  • Malden
  • Medford
  • Milton
  • Newton
  • Norwood
  • Quincy
  • Randolph
  • Revere
  • Sharon
  • Somerville
  • Walpole
  • Waltham
  • Watertown
  • Westwood
  • Weymouth
  • Winchester
  • Winthrop
  • Woburn