BCIL is a 501(c)(3) organization that has provided services to people with disabilities since the organization’s founding in 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 by empowering its members and constituents to take control over their lives and become active members of the communities in which they live. BCIL works to promote the civil

rights of all people with disabilities and

responds with programs and services to

the needs of people of all ages with a wide         

range of disabilities.

BCIL concentrates its efforts in two areas:

n Empowering people with disabilities with the  

    practical skills and self-confidence to freely    

    determine their own life choices in the

    community.

n Promoting access and change within society, making full and equal participation by

    individuals with disabilities a reality.

BCIL's 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, and PCA services in order to enhance the independence of people with disabilities.