February 2024 - ILRU = Independent Living Research Utilization
It is important for independent living programs to have useful resources. This month’s acronym, Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU), provides training and knowledge to independent living programs and other entities. Organizations that can benefit from ILRU’s training opportunities and assistance include statewide independent living councils, centers for independent living, and federal and state agencies that provide rehabilitation. On the
page of their website, ILRU explains that their focus is to collect and share information about independent living for people with disabilities.
To learn more about ILRU, visit:
Independent Living Research Utilization (ilru.org)
Stay tuned for Delaware SILC’s next acronym of the month!
January 2024 - AoD = Administration on Disabilities
For people with disabilities to be successful in life, supports and tools are important resources. This month’s acronym, Administration on Disabilities (AoD), helps provide that support. It is part of the
Administration for Community Living.
AoD administers funds for three disability-focused federal offices. The Office of Independent Living Programs oversees Independent Living Services programs and centers for independent living. The Office of Disability Services Innovation manages disability programs providing discretionary grants. The Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disability administers Developmental Disabilities Act federal programs. For additional information about AoD, the Delaware Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) recommends reading two online resources about AoD:
Administration on Disabilities (Administration for Community Living)
And
About | Disability Employment TA Center (AoD Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center).
Stay tuned for Delaware SILC’s next acronym of the month!
December 2023 - CIL = Center for Independent Living
For independent living to be fully achieved, services must be provided. This month’s acronym, CIL, refers to the Center for Independent Living. The U.S. state of Delaware has two centers for independent living:
Freedom Center for Independent Living
And
The CILs receive their federal funding from the Administration for Community Living. The core services of a Center for Independent Living are information and referral, independent living skills training, peer counseling, systems, and individual advocacy and transition. People with disabilities can receive services from the CIL of their choice in their state of residency. Readers are encouraged to learn about the centers for independent living in your state of residence.
Stay tuned for Delaware SILC’s next acronym of the month!
November 2023 - ACL = Administration for Community Living
Administration for Community Living which operates under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides funding to Statewide Independent Living Councils nationwide. The Administration for Community Living was created around the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities. By funding services and supports provided primarily by networks of community-based organizations, and with investments in research, education, and innovation, ACL helps make this principle a reality for millions of Americans.
October 2023 - IL = Independent Living
Independent Living is living just like everyone else — having opportunities to make decisions that affect your life, and being able to pursue activities that you choose. Independent Living is controlling and directing your own life and taking responsibility for your own actions. It is knowing what choices are available and selecting what is right for you.
Independent living should not be defined in terms of living on your own, being employed in a job fitting your capabilities and interests, or having an active social life. These are aspects of living independently.
Independent living has to do with self-determination. It is having the right and the opportunity to pursue a course of action that you decide. And, more importantly, it is having the freedom to make good decisions or perhaps poor ones. It’s having the opportunity to fail and to learn from your mistakes.