What is a Center for Independent Living? A Center for Independent Living, you can call it a CIL for short, is a unique organization that assists people with disabilities in achieving and maintaining Independence. The function of a CIL though is often misunderstood so let’s take a look at how a CIL actually works and what makes it different from other types of services.
At a CIL, the people we work with are “consumers,” not clients or patients. This is different from case management, where clients are often told what to do, or from doctors, who, in general, diagnose conditions and prescribe treatments. We believe that people with disabilities themselves can make the best decisions for their own care and lives. So, at a CIL, consumers with disabilities choose the services and assistance they want that will give them the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to live life independently just like everyone else.
And because 51% of the staff and board of directors of a CIL are people with disabilities, the people making the decisions, running the programs, and sitting on the board can understand and relate to the consumers’ needs. This model provides a level of peer support, consumer control, and expertise not found elsewhere.
But providing services isn’t enough. Because historically, people with disabilities have been treated unfairly, marginalized, and face discrimination and negative attitudes, a CIL also works to shift the perception of disabilities to something ordinary and acceptable, something positive and a part of life. This includes striving to change laws that will even the playing field, making sure that people with disabilities have the same access to public places as well as work opportunities and life choices as everyone else.
The focus of a CIL is on changing the system rather than fixing the person. Ultimately, a Center for Independent Living is a living, breathing representation of Independent Living Philosophy. To learn more, watch the video: What is independent Living Philosophy?
We Believe Everyone Deserves to Live Independently
Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc. (MILC) is a consumer-controlled nonprofit committed to empowering people with disabilities to live the lives they envision.
Our mission statement is “Empowering People Towards Independence” because disability is common enough to be accommodated for. To us, living and aging in our own homes and communities is a human right that deserves to be protected and upheld, regardless of ability or disability.
2000
MILC was established in the year 2000 to provide independent living services.
51%
More than 51% of staff and board members are people with disabilities.
11
We serve 11 counties throughout Central and Northern Wisconsin.
What We Stand For
Our Mission
Empowering People Toward Independence
We work directly with individuals to achieve their independence goals and reach their full potential.
Our Vision
A society where there are no barriers to independence
Rooted in the independence living movement, we work to advocate, empower, and provide services to help incorporate people with disabilities entirely into society.
Our Values
Inclusiveness
Empowerment
Compassion
Independence
Integrity
MILC Services
What Services Do We Offer?
MILC is invested in providing opportunities to empower and educate persons with disabilities to self-advocate and make informed choices for their lives.
Independent Living Plan
Through the development of an Independent Living Plan, each of our consumers defines their individual needs and goals, and together we create a customized plan with the supports and actions needed to reach those goals.
Our Core Services
Information and Referral
Advocacy Services
Independent Living Skills Training
Peer Support
Transition
Additionally, we provide Transition Services, Community Education, Accessible Recreation, Personal Assistant Services (PAS), IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct), Assistive Technology (AT) Assessments, AT loan and demonstration, Employment Planning, Architectural Accessibility Assessments, Benefits Counseling, and Business Solutions.
We Strive to Meet the Needs of the Community
Because of the ever-evolving need, MILC has become flexible in taking on new opportunities that align with our mission, philosophical views, and benefit our communities.
MILC Service Area
Who and Where Do We Serve?
Since 2000, we have proudly served 11 counties in central and northern Wisconsin and 4 tribal areas. We continue to be a cornerstone resource in our communities. MILC is one of the eight Independent Living Centers (ILCs) in Wisconsin who all strive to humanize and dignify people with disabilities, as we all should.
More than 51% of our staff, as well as our Board of Directors, are individuals with disabilities, so we are just like you! At MILC, we choose to celebrate the diversity of disability and prioritize making life more accessible instead of accepting that an independent life is simply out of reach for some folks.
Counties served: Adams, Florence, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Taylor, Wood, Vilas.
Tribal Areas Served: Lac Du Flambeau, Ho-Chunk, Potawatomi, and Sokaogon.
Our Staff
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Meet the dedicated team at MILC who bring diverse lived experiences and a passion for supporting independence and self-determination. We believe in working alongside you as partners rather than experts, sharing our experiences while respecting that you are the authority on your own life and goals.
Meet Our Staff