Center for Independent Living - Berkeley

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.

⚠️ Important Update for OaklandAs of Oct. 1, Easy Does It (EDI) has ended most emergency mobility device repair services...
10/04/2025

⚠️ Important Update for Oakland

As of Oct. 1, Easy Does It (EDI) has ended most emergency mobility device repair services in Oakland. While they named CIL as the “new provider,” this is not accurate.

✅ CIL continues to provide non-urgent mobility device repairs (wheelchairs, scooters, walkers) by appointment and waitlist.

❌ We do not provide emergency or on-call repair services.

📢 We remain committed to Oakland and will advocate for a sustainable urgent repair program to meet community needs.

👉 Learn more here: thecil.org/press-release/cil-recommits-to-non-urgent-repairs-in-oakland

Need a non-urgent repair? Visit thecil.org/assistive-technology or call 510-422-5035.

No one should be left without the equipment they need to live safely and independently.

🌟 The CIL is excited to host two Social Club gatherings this October for youth with disabilities (ages 14–30)! 🌟📚 Book C...
10/03/2025

🌟 The CIL is excited to host two Social Club gatherings this October for youth with disabilities (ages 14–30)! 🌟

📚 Book Club Pt. 2 (Virtual)
Dive deeper into literature with your peers and help kick off our new community library project!
📅 Wednesday, Oct. 8 | ⏰ 3:30–4:30pm

🌱 Q***r Ecology (In Person)
Explore how q***r nature truly is and help us plan the layout of our garden bed at Ed Roberts Campus.
📅 Wednesday, Oct. 22 | ⏰ 3:30–4:30pm
📍 3075 Adeline Street, Berkeley (above Ashby BART, Osher Room ABC)

👉 Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit: https://tinyurl.com/CILSocialClubRSVP

✨ The virtual session link will be sent out the day of the event. See the flyer for more details and share with your community!

We can’t wait to see you there! 🥳

♿ Wheelchair Marking and Tether Strap ProgramThis monthly collaboration with AC Transit supports people who would like t...
10/03/2025

♿ Wheelchair Marking and Tether Strap Program

This monthly collaboration with AC Transit supports people who would like to get their mobility aid marked and strapped for safer transportation.

📅 Friday, October 10
🕤 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

📍 The Center for Independent Living, Inc.
3075 Adeline Street, Suite 100, Berkeley, CA 94703

✅ Book your appointment:

📧 coco@thecil.org

📞 (510) 841-4776

🌟 Travel Training 🌟Alameda Connect, in partnership with CIL, invites you to a FREE Travel Training for older adults and ...
10/03/2025

🌟 Travel Training 🌟

Alameda Connect, in partnership with CIL, invites you to a FREE Travel Training for older adults and people with disabilities.

📅 When: Tuesday, October 7 at 10:00 AM
📍 Where: Mastick Senior Center → then a trip to the Alameda Farmers Market via AC Transit

✨ What’s included:

Free presentation & field training

Hands-on practice with para- & public transit

Tips to ride safely and independently

Light refreshments

A FREE trip to the Alameda Farmers Market!

🚌 Build your knowledge, ability, and confidence to access different modes of transportation safely and independently.

👉 Registration is required
📞 Call (510) 747-7500
💻 Register online:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/alamedarecreation

😷 Please note: Mastick Senior Center is not a masks-required space, but we strongly encourage masking.

⚠️ Government Shutdown – Know What It MeansThe current shutdown may create added challenges for people with disabilities...
10/03/2025

⚠️ Government Shutdown – Know What It Means

The current shutdown may create added challenges for people with disabilities, older adults, and veterans who rely on federal programs. While some benefits will continue for now, this could change if the shutdown continues. Reduced staffing and furloughs also mean delays and uncertainty in many areas of service.

We recognize this can increase stress for those who depend on consistent access to health care, income support, nutrition programs, and other essential services. Please plan ahead and stay updated.

👉 Swipe through the carousel to learn some of the services affected — not all are listed here.

🔗 For more detailed and updated information, visit: bit.ly/4mFeGBT

📢 Community Event of InterestThe Disabled Makers’ Market is coming to UC Berkeley! This event highlights the creativity ...
09/26/2025

📢 Community Event of Interest

The Disabled Makers’ Market is coming to UC Berkeley! This event highlights the creativity of disabled artists, makers, and entrepreneurs.

🗓 When: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
⏰ Market Hours: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
📍 Where: Lower Sproul Plaza, UC Berkeley campus (Berkeley, CA)

The market invites makers who identify as having one or more disabilities to display and sell their creations. Each participant will receive a 6’ table and two chairs.

Please note:

- Makers are responsible for their own transactions.

- Food and beverage sales are not permitted.

- Shade umbrellas will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own, along with paperweights.

✨ This event is organized by the Disability Cultural Community Center at UC Berkeley and Senator Yang’s office.

👉 Interested in participating? Fill out the interest form here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUrtfS6oYw9k2pIT6l0rKtreo15GF0yh9C0yNAMWRi2Oql_Q/viewform

Last week, The Center for Independent Living welcomed nonprofit leaders from the Bay Area and Japan for a tour of the Ed...
09/24/2025

Last week, The Center for Independent Living welcomed nonprofit leaders from the Bay Area and Japan for a tour of the Ed Roberts Campus. 🇯🇵🤝🇺🇸

✨ The visit was organized by the Japan Foundation, Japan’s leading institution for international cultural exchange. Since 1972, the Foundation has fostered friendship and dialogue worldwide through arts, education, and cultural exchange.

📝 Together, we explored the history, philosophy, services, and impact of the independent living movement.

🌍 This exchange builds on a 50-year partnership between disability rights advocates in Berkeley and nonprofit leaders in Japan—strengthening global collaboration for inclusion and accessibility. ♿💡

📢 English VersionToday is the day!Join us at the Public Participation Hearings on California Connect at the Ed Roberts C...
09/17/2025

📢 English Version

Today is the day!

Join us at the Public Participation Hearings on California Connect at the Ed Roberts Campus (2:00 PM or 6:00 PM).

🎁 Everyone who attends in person will be entered into a raffle for Target gift cards as a thank you for showing up!

♿ The event is fully accessible: wheelchair access, ASL interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), paratransit, Uber codes, and accessible restrooms.

Your voice matters. Be there, be heard, and help shape the future of communication access!

👉 Register: bit.ly/DDTPFuture

‐--------

📢 Versión en Español

¡Hoy es el día!

Acompáñanos en las Audiencias Públicas de Participación sobre California Connect en el Ed Roberts Campus (2:00 PM ó 6:00 PM).

🎁 Todos los que asistan en persona participarán en una rifa de tarjetas de regalo de Target como agradecimiento por estar presentes.

♿ El evento es totalmente accesible: acceso para sillas de ruedas, interpretación en ASL, subtitulado en vivo (CART), paratransporte, códigos de Uber y baños accesibles.

Tu voz importa. ¡Ven, hazte escuchar y ayúdanos a dar forma al futuro del acceso a la comunicación!

👉 Regístrate: bit.ly/DDTPFuture

✨ Tomorrow is the day! ✨The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is holding Public Participation Hearings on Se...
09/16/2025

✨ Tomorrow is the day! ✨

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is holding Public Participation Hearings on September 17th to hear directly from our community about the future of California Connect (DDTP) — a lifeline for people with disabilities across our state.

📍 Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline St, Berkeley, CA

🕑 2:00–4:00 PM & 6:00–8:00 PM

This is your chance to share your experiences, challenges, and ideas directly with decision-makers and help shape the future of accessible technology.

♿ Accessibility supports will be available, including:
- Uber codes for transportation
- ASL interpretation
- Real-time captioning
- Wheelchair accessible venue

👉 Register here: bit.ly/DDTPFuture

💬 Can’t attend in person? You can still make your voice heard and read others’ comments online through the CPUC Docket Card:
https://bit.ly/CPUCDocketCard

✨ Tomorrow is the day! ✨The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is holding Public Participation Hearings on Se...
09/16/2025

✨ Tomorrow is the day! ✨

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is holding Public Participation Hearings on September 17th to hear directly from our community about the future of California Connect (DDTP) — a lifeline for people with disabilities across our state.

📍 Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline St, Berkeley, CA

🕑 2:00–4:00 PM & 6:00–8:00 PM

This is your chance to share your experiences, challenges, and ideas directly with decision-makers and help shape the future of accessible technology.

♿ Accessibility supports will be available, including:

- Uber codes for transportation
- ASL interpretation
- Real-time captioning
- Wheelchair accessible venue

👉 Register here: bit.ly/DDTPFuture

❗️Can’t attend in person? You can still make your voice heard and read others’ comments online through the CPUC Docket Card:
https://bit.ly/CPUCDocketCard

English Version:Let’s Shape the Future of Communication Access Together📢 The California Public Utilities Commission (CPU...
09/16/2025

English Version:

Let’s Shape the Future of Communication Access Together

📢 The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is reviewing how to modernize the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP) — and your voice is essential.

🗓 September 17, 2025
📍 Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline St, Berkeley, CA
🕑 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM

Join us at the Public Participation Hearings to share your experiences, ideas, and recommendations directly with decision-makers.

♿️ Accessibility supports include:
Uber codes for transportation
ASL interpretation
Real-time captioning
Wheelchair accessible venue

👉 Register here: bit.ly/DDTPFuture

Can’t attend? Make your voice heard online and read others’ comments here:

https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/events-and-meetings/cpuc-public-forums-on-proposed-updates-to-the-deaf-and-disabled-telecommunications-program #:~:text=You%20can%20also,for%20this%20proceeding



‐----‐----------

Versión en Español:

Demos forma juntos al futuro del acceso a la comunicación

📢 La Comisión de Servicios Públicos de California (CPUC) está revisando cómo modernizar el Programa de Telecomunicaciones para Personas Sordas y con Discapacidad (DDTP) — y tu voz es esencial.

🗓 17 de septiembre de 2025
📍 Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline St, Berkeley, CA
🕑 2:00 PM y 6:00 PM

Acompáñanos en las Audiencias Públicas de Participación para compartir tus experiencias, ideas y recomendaciones directamente con quienes toman las decisiones.

♿ Los apoyos de accesibilidad incluyen:
Códigos de Uber para transporte
Interpretación en ASL (lengua de señas americana)
Subtitulado en tiempo real
Lugar accesible para sillas de ruedas

👉 Regístrate aquí: bit.ly/DDTPFuture

¿No puedes asistir en persona? Haz escuchar tu voz en línea y lee los comentarios de otras personas aquí:

https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/events-and-meetings/cpuc-public-forums-on-proposed-updates-to-the-deaf-and-disabled-telecommunications-program #:~:text=You%20can%20also,for%20this%20proceeding

Last chance to join today’s workshop — 2:00 PM📍 Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline St, Berkeley, CA 94703 (above Ashby BART...
09/11/2025

Last chance to join today’s workshop — 2:00 PM

📍 Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline St, Berkeley, CA 94703 (above Ashby BART) & via Zoom

The CPUC is reviewing California Connect. Your presence today shows these services are essential for our communities.

Transportation vouchers for paratransit or Uber are available to support in-person attendance.

➡️ Register now to attend in person or online: bit.ly/DDTPFuture

Address

3075 Adeline Street Suite 100
Berkeley, CA
94703

Opening Hours

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

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