Mission Statement
The Lynchburg Area Center for Independent Living, Inc. is a consumer-directed, private, non-profit, non-residential organization that promotes the efforts of persons with disabilities to live independently in the community and promotes community efforts in developing an environment that is open and accessible to all citizens. LACIL's mission is to encourage and support persons with significant disabilities in achieving the greatest level of independence possible. Consumers and LACIL staff are committed to independence, choice, and self-determination. Responsibilities for respect, participation, communicating, understanding, honesty, and advocating for persons with disabilities are shared, as both work together for increased independence in the community.
Description
Children, young adults, adults, and senior citizens can achieve independent living success through the following four core services that LACIL currently provides: peer counseling, independent living skills training, information and referral, systems and individual advocacy, and transitioning.
In peer counseling, persons with disabilities meet individually or in groups with a peer who shares similar or related life experiences, to gain insight regarding needs and resources related to independent living. Many people who work and volunteer at LACIL have disabilities themselves, making peer counseling even easier for the consumer. However, having a disability is not a requirement for volunteering or employment.
With independent living skills training, planned activities are provided to help persons with disabilities learn improved or improvised skills for the purpose of acquiring, maintaining, or increasing their independence.
Information and referral involves the identification of resources, services, and service providers in public, private, and community organizations.
Systems and individual advocacy involves clarifying, educating, and/or acting to promote and protect the rights, services, and opportunities of persons with disabilities; providing technical assistance in applying and utilizing specialized data related to disability issues. Finally, transitioning provides assistance to those residing in a care facility who wish to return to an indepedent lifestyle in the community.
Transitioning also teaches life skills and provides job training for youth with disabilities moving from the public school system and into the community.
LACIL serves the following counties and cities: Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell; Bedford City, and Lynchburg City.
