National Council on Independent Living

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In the United States of America, individuals with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities are protected by a variety of laws that provide entitlements that safeguard and promote their health, welfare, and independence. Legislation came into being because of the work of disability advocacy groups across the country. Explore this section to learn more about programs, agencies, resource centers, and special interest groups who promote accessibility, inclusion, and equality for individuals living with a spinal cord injury.

Scroll through the resources below to identify various Disability Resource Centers that serve as clearinghouses of disability-specific information. These include sources for health and patient advocates who can help you navigate the complexities of the health care system. Learn about self-advocacy across a spectrum of needs – medical, psychological, social, emotional, recreational, and vocational. Understand how to find healthcare providers and identify additional support through community-based disability groups.

This section also includes state-wide disability action centers and alliances involved in promoting and ensuring civil rights for people with disabilities. These include state-wide Centers for Independent Living (CIL), National Spinal Cord Injury Association chapters, Family Caregiver Alliances and foundations that support spinal cord injury recovery. These groups provide transition support and counseling for housing, home-based services, personal assistants, and other legal services. Centers for Independent Living and Spinal Cord Associations also provide peer mentoring programs for youth and adults.

National Council on Independent Living As a membership organization, the NCIL advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities through consumer-driven advocacy.  The NCIL envisions a world in which people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully.  It was founded to embody the values of disability culture and Independent Living philosophy, which creates a new social paradigm and emphasizes that people with disabilities are the best experts on their own needs, that they have crucial and valuable perspective to contribute to society, and are deserving of equal opportunity to decide how to live, work, and take part in their communities.