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Center for Independent Living - Berkeley

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Center for Independent Living - Berkeley

CIL supports and empowers people who aspire to achieve beyond the boundaries of the expectations

The Center for Independent Living (TheCIL) provides advocacy and services that increase awareness, collaboration, and opportunity among people with disabilities and the community. Our programs provide people with skills, knowledge, and resources that empower them to eliminate damaging and stereotypical notions of disability to strive toward realizing their full human potential. We emerged from the independent living movement of the 1960s as a powerful social catalyst on the University of California at Berkeley campus. There, Ed Roberts, Hale Zukas, and Jan McEwan Brown joined forces to lead a movement that made the university's full academic and social life accessible to all. On March 3, 1972, these students and community members joined The Center for Independent Living, Inc. From 1975 to 2011, our headquarters were located near the UC Berkeley campus on 2539 Telegraph Avenue. There, we provided services for people with disabilities that included wheelchair repair, assistance finding accessible and affordable housing, and vocational training. TheCIL also hosted the first national conference on independent living in 1975. Our peer-based services were so successful that today we serve as a model for roughly 400 independent living centers nationwide, as well as similar programs in 20 countries.

08/20/2025

✨ Have Your Voice Heard! ✨

Join CIL for two powerful community events that will shape the future of California Connect (also known as the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program).

We’re at a turning point. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is considering updates to California Connect — and they want to hear directly from our communities. This is your chance to share how the program can be modernized with the technologies and services that truly matter to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and disabled people today.

📍 Where:
Ed Roberts Campus, Berkeley + Online via Zoom

📅 When:

Educational Workshop
– September 11, 2:00 PM

Public Hearings
– September 17, 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM

💬 Bring your feedback, experiences, challenges, and dreams. Together, we can make sure communication access is a right — not a privilege.

🌐 Let’s shape a future where everyone can connect.

Register now: https://bit.ly/DDTPFuture

-------‐------------

✨ ¡Haz que tu voz se escuche! ✨

Únete a CIL en dos importantes eventos comunitarios que darán forma al futuro de California Connect (también conocido como el Programa de Telecomunicaciones para Personas Sordas y con Discapacidades).

Estamos en un momento decisivo. La Comisión de Servicios Públicos de California (CPUC) está considerando actualizaciones a California Connect — y quieren escuchar directamente de nuestras comunidades. Esta es tu oportunidad de compartir cómo el programa puede modernizarse con las tecnologías y servicios que realmente importan a las personas sordas, con pérdida auditiva y con discapacidades hoy.

📍 Dónde:
Ed Roberts Campus, Berkeley + Online vía Zoom

📅 Cuándo:

Taller Educativo
– 11 de septiembre, 2:00 PM

Audiencias Públicas
– 17 de septiembre, 2:00 PM y 6:00 PM

💬 Trae tus comentarios, experiencias, desafíos y sueños. Juntos, podemos asegurarnos de que el acceso a la comunicación sea un derecho — no un privilegio.

🌐 Construyamos un futuro donde todas las personas puedan conectarse.

Regístrate ahora: https://bit.ly/DDTPFuture

08/14/2025

How do you get around in Alameda County? is updating the Countywide Transportation Plan and wants your input. Take their survey to share your experience and priorities to improve transportation.

bit.ly/2026CTPSurvey

[ID] "Do you travel in Alameda County?" graphic. Illustration of a bus, someone walking with a cane, and someone on a bike. "Tell us what you want to see" and Alameda CTC's logo at the bottom.

07/14/2025

🏛️ Join us for a System Change Advocacy *Virtual* Community Town Hall

When: Friday, July 18th, 5PM–6:30PM
Where: Online, via Zoom
What: Community Voice, Collective Power: Advancing Systems Change Together

Have your voice heard and contribute in shaping the future of our initiatives!

Join Michai, CIL’s System Change Advocate at a Virtual Town Hall to address community priorities. We want to hear from you!

Please complete the CIL Advocacy Survey (tinyurl.com/yfa5h4tu) then join us online on Friday, July 18th.

Register at: tinyurl.com/CIL-Advocacy-Town-Hall

[ID] Purple and white flyer with black text sharing details about the virtual town hall.

06/27/2025

Register Today!

📅 Friday, July 11, 2025 | 🕒 3–7PM
📍 On Woolsey Street, next to Ed Roberts Campus, Berkeley

Hosted by CIL and a coalition of racial justice and disability rights & justice organizations, this protest-meets-celebration event will feature art, music, performers, workshops, speakers, an art build and story quilt unveiling, a kids area, food, and more.

We’ll honor the radical legacies of the Disability Rights movement, uplift strategies from past and present struggles for justice, and build the collective power this moment demands. We can’t wait to see you there!

🌐 More info: thecil.org/ada35

[ID] Image 1 (event flyer):
Illustrated flyer for “Reclaiming Our Legacy: Disability Action & Joy” on July 11, 2025, 3–7PM on Woolsey Street, next to Ed Roberts Campus. Features disabled activists, protest signs, and an ADA anniversary celebration announcement. QR code links to event info.

Image 2 (organizing partners):
Image with logos of organizing partners for the ADA 35th event, including CIL, WID, DREDF, APTP, Disability Justice Culture Club, and more, against a blue background under the heading “Organizing Partners.”

06/26/2025

Want to get paid to help bridge the digital divide? Join us as a Digital Equity Ambassador, starting this July!

The Digital Equity Ambassador Internship is a paid opportunity for youth ages 16-26 with disabilities who live in Alameda County.

As an intern, you’ll support seniors and people with disabilities in building their digital skills, learn about accessibility, digital equity, and gain valuable leadership, communication, and teaching experience.

We are looking for individuals who are comfortable working with the public, and have a desire to make a difference in their community!

Register today! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkgrlypRRdXfEcFfCFe2O1OG0uiN3sgQags20eMyTmbe3Pmw/viewform

[ID] 4 Slides with a graphic of a young person helping an older person with something on a computer, with text info about the Digital Equity Ambassador program. The information includes program highlights, applicant criteria, ideal candidate info, and how to apply.

06/16/2025

CIL denounces deportations and all acts of violence against our immigrant communities. Such actions tear apart families, destabilize communities, and violate foundational principles of justice and human dignity. Further, CIL condemns the escalation and repression being deployed in Los Angeles by federal troops and local police alike. These tactics are meant to intimidate our movements from showing out in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors–but we refuse to back down.

Immigrants are an essential part of our nation’s fabric—building strong, resilient communities and deserving of dignity, safety, and belonging. We know that immigrants contribute to our economy, while we also reject the false narratives of ‘good’ versus ‘bad’ immigrants, and push back against valuing people for their labor or economic contributions.

We refuse the idea that anyone must earn their humanity. Dignity is not conditional and our solidarity is not transactional—we fight for immigrant, Black and Brown, and Disability communities because they are our communities: people with families, dreams, struggles, and stories who deserve to live fully and freely, just as they are.

Read the full statement: https://thecil.org/public-statement-opposing-deportations-and-violence-against-immigrant-communities/

[ID] Graphic with gradient background, and a dark box with white text and a smaller white box has dark text.

06/12/2025

🎉 Celebrate 35 years of the ADA with us!
📅 Friday, July 11, 2025 | 🕒 3–7PM
📍 Ed Roberts Campus, Berkeley

Hosted by CIL and a coalition of racial justice and disability rights & justice organizations, this protest-meets-celebration event will feature art, music, performers, workshops, speakers, an art build and story quilt unveiling, a kids area, food, and more.

We’ll honor the radical legacies of the Disability Rights movement, uplift strategies from past and present struggles for justice, and build the collective power this moment demands. We can’t wait to see you there!

🌐 More info: thecil.org/ada35

06/05/2025

Join us this Saturday for an intergenerational q***r + disabled joy event!

June 7th, from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Ed Roberts Campus (3075 Adeline Street, Berkeley, CA)

This "Healing For Us, By Us" is a collaboration between 10 disability rights, Disability Justice, and q***r liberation organizations. Activities include multi-cultural drumming, an accessible movement class, an open mic, an art build and Kids Corner, massage and bodywork, and more. This event is anchored by Our Family Coalition and a crew of q***r and trans families, and families and young ones are welcome, cherished, and celebrated!

For beloved community who has been part of our Disability Justice Community Story Quilt project, we will be continuing work on our quilts at this June 7th gathering!

Entrance and all activities are free of charge.

[ID] Rainbow-colored watercolor flyer with an outline of an open palm. 'Healing For Us, By Us' event with partner organizations logos and list of community activities available at this event. Event details read Saturday, June 7th, 12:00-4:00 p.m. at the Ed Roberts Campus (above Ashby BART)

06/04/2025

Are you a young person with a disability, age 16-30? Ready to unlock the world of coding from the comfort of your home? Join CodeStars, a fun and supportive virtual program where you’ll:
🌟 Learn how to develop websites and master frontend UI development, or Python, one of the most popular and beginner friendly coding languages used to develop AI Agentic applications and 2D games.
🌟 Build real tech skills in an accessible and supportive and environment
🌟 Connect with other youth who share your interests
🌟 Join two live sessions each week (90 minutes each)
🌟 Gain skills for school, work, and your future

No experience needed!
Spots are limited, sign up today!

Cohort 1 start date : July 2025
Cohort 2 start date : October 2025

Questions? Reach out to:
Coding Instructor, Laurence Carew at lcarew@thecil.org
Vocational Coordinator, Camiel Hayes at chayes@thecil.org

Empowering young coders. Building inclusive futures!

Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9-r6l4Pz027VbHdx1ErM2GXSOjQApbH5J9LuREGVtTquGDw/viewform

[ID] Flyer for CIL’s CodeStars program with colorful laptops and code icons. Text reads: “Empowering young coders. Building inclusive futures!” Program starts July and October 2025.

06/02/2025

📣 Mark your calendar! CIL and Bay Area disability advocates invite YOU to Accessible Futures, a 2-day, disability-led conference in San Francisco focused on shaping the future of accessibility in our region.

🗓️ June 16–17, 2025
📍 Bay Area Metro Center | 375 Beale Street, SF | Fully accessible
🎟️ Free admission | Meals included | Remote option available

We’ll be diving deep into the critical issues that matter—transportation, housing, the environment, and more—while centering the voices and lived experiences of the disability community.

Connect with community leaders, share your story, and help build an equitable Bay Area.

Registration closes this Friday, June 6th. Secure your spot today!

💻 Register & sign up for updates: mtc.ca.gov/accessiblefutures
📧 Questions? Email: disabilityconference@bayareametro.gov

[ID] Navy and white graphic with event details for "Accessible Futures: Sharing. Listening. Learning." June 16–17, 2025, at Bay Area Metro Center, San Francisco.

04/29/2025

Join us at ERC this Friday for a colloquium on inclusive and accessible cities, showcasing innovative approaches to universal design. The joint session with Berkeley College of Environmental Design will feature welcoming remarks by Dr. Victor Pineda and Kim Suczynski-Smith, along with their respective classes from the University of California, Berkeley.

When: Friday, May 2, 2025, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline St, Berkeley, CA 94703
What: The event will begin with five urban studies capstone projects from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm, focusing on research and development plans for affordable housing on the East Lot of the campus.

Following this, starting at 1:30 pm, we will transition to presentations from three universal redesign projects, which will explore reimagined neighborhoods and service programs in cities around the globe.

In total, the colloquium will host nearly 50 student presenters, including contributions from a cohort of CIL staff.

This is an incredible opportunity to explore cutting-edge perspectives on holistic universal design and its potential to shape more inclusive communities.

Register today on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inclusive-cities-showcase-tickets-1343043612599?aff=oddtdtcreator

[ID] "Inclusive Cities Showcase" graphic with photo of circular ramp at Ed Roberts Campus and event details

04/28/2025

We're collecting 53 stories to fight budget cuts to life-giving programs like Medicaid/MediCal, IHSS, SSI/SSDI and more!

Now is the time to show up and share your experiences and your demands – for community based organizations like CIL, it is you, our community, who are the beating heart, the energy and the meaning, behind all of our advocacy, and we need you now.

Head to bit.ly/ProtectACL to share your story and to read more about the proposed budget cuts!

[ID] Colorful illustration with raised fists, disability symbols, and bold text: "Protect ACL. Preserve Freedom. Community, Dignity, Liberty, Stay Free." Info about and link to submitting your story.

Address

3075 Adeline St. Suite 100
Berkeley, CA
94703

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.thecil.org/

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