Independence Alliance

About CILO

The Center for Independent Living Options (CILO) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing services for people with permanent disabilities in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

CILO was founded in 1977 by people with disabilities who wanted to provide a support system to help people with physical, sensory, cognitive, and/or psychological disabilities reach their greatest potential and independence. CILO is the oldest independent living center in Ohio and is governed, managed and staffed by a majority of professionals with disabilities who have an insight into the issues experienced by people with disabilities.

Through five core services we empower people with disabilities to live productive, rewarding lives with pride and dignity.

What is Independent Living?

Centers for Independent Living were created by U.S. Congress in Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A CIL is a non-residential, not-for-profit, community-based, consumer controlled, cross-disability agency providing core services.

CILO Services

Advocacy

We advocate for people with disabilities who wish to lead independent and productive lives by generating awareness, engaging in positive action and creating needed change to laws and programs. We address issues such as access to affordable housing and transportation, reasonable accommodations in the workplace, or access to public buildings.  

Independent Living Skills

Independent Living Skills training is offered to help each person develop and strengthen the skills they feel are most important to improve or maintain their ability to live independently. Support can be provided through Zoom.

Peer Support

People with disabilities give and receive help based on the knowledge that comes through shared experiences. Peer support can take place through Zoom..

Information & Referral

CILO connects people with disabilities and their families to valuable resources in the community by providing information or making a referral. Every day we connect people to government agencies, local programs, other organizations or vendors and suppliers that assist people with disabilities to lead an independent and inclusive life.

Youth Transition Services

CILO facilitates the Instruction in Self-Advocacy and Workplace Readiness Training modules of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) through Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). These free 1:1 skill-building services are intended to prepare students with disabilities between the ages of 14 and 21 for their transition to adulthood. Instruction includes building self-confidence, practicing effective communication skills, identifying appropriate career interests, encouraging successful decision-making, setting goals, learning how to take responsibility and more. Services are primarily provided during the school year, typically during the student’s school day and are coordinated with the special education teacher.  When schools are out for the summer or during breaks, instruction can take place in an alternate setting including via Zoom.

Housing Programs

CILO provides several housing programs in both Ohio and Kentucky through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To be enrolled in one of our housing programs, you must be referred to CILO. These referrals are made through a Coordinated Entry process by which people with disabilities experiencing homelessness are given access to housing and assistance based on their level of need and resources available. Once enrolled in one of our programs, you may access rental subsidies and benefit from our targeted support services.

Support Services

CILO works with consumers on an individual basis to develop their independent living plan and provide information and assistance as it relates to disability benefits, employment, education, public access, etc.

Ohio Personal Care Assistance Program

CILO facilitates this Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) program to assist people with severe disabilities to achieve greater independence. The PCA Program does not hire attendants/aides; rather, OOD provides the funding so that eligible individuals may hire and manage the attendant/aide who may best meet their needs. Participants are subsequently reimbursed by OOD for the approved number of hours of personal care assistance services.