A brief history of CILSCPA

In 1970 Ed Roberts along with other students founded a program on the campus of the University of California at Berkley to assist students with disabilities in adapting to campus life and beyond.  Along with his friend and activist, Judy Heumann, they began what is now known as a "Center for Independent Living" in a one-bedroom apartment.  Their goal was to focus on individual rights, peer support, advocating for change, and independent living skills training.  Today there are 340 CIL's in the United States with 18 in Pennsylvania all working to empower people with disabilities to be decision-makers.

The Center for Independent Living of South Central Pennsylvania (CILSCPA) opened its office in Altoona in May 1988 operating under the auspices of the Center located in Pittsburgh.  The office began operations with two staff people - an Executive Director and a Secretary.  Within a year and a half, the staff grew to four members.

In October of 1989, CILSCPA "spun off" and became a free standing Center no longer operating under the CIL in Pittsburgh.  A new program was developed and implemented - the Deaf Action Awareness Program.  To date, the Center employs seven full-time - Altoona based employees.  They provide independent living services as well as services through the Deaf Action Awareness program.  CILSCPA also employs one part-time Hiram G. Andrews Center / Johnstown based employees. This employee provides peer counseling services relating to the Center for Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology, CART, through a partnership with the Hiram G. Andrews Center.

To learn how to become an active participant in CILSCPA call (814) 949-1905 V/TTY or 1-800-237-9009 V/TTY

What We’re About

The purpose of the Center for Independent Living of South Central PA is to provide supportive services to persons with disabilities who wish to increase or maintain their level of independence in the community and at home. It is important that consumers understand that CIL services are not intended to create a situation in which persons with disabilities become dependent. It is our purpose to encourage, motivate, train, and guide consumers to achieve the highest level of independence possible. Consumers, as well as staff, have responsibilities in this effort to increase independence and self-direction.