About the IL-NET Training and Technical Assistance Center on Independent Living for CILs

The IL-NET T&TA Center for CILs provides a continuum of information, training and technical assistance for centers for independent living to help them:  (1) operate effective organizations; (2) fulfill their role as community advocates and change agents; and (3) develop strong, consumer-responsive services. 

Mission

The IL-NET T&TA Center's mission is to support the independent living movement and the operation, management, and evaluation of strong and effective centers for independent living, which are led and staffed by people who practice the independent living philosophy.

ILRU

The ILRU (Independent Living Research Utilization) program is a national center for information, training, research, and technical assistance in independent living. Its goal is to expand the body of knowledge in independent living and to improve utilization of results of research programs and demonstration projects in this field. It is a program of TIRR Memorial Hermann, a nationally recognized medical rehabilitation facility for persons with disabilities.

Since ILRU was established in 1977, it has developed a variety of strategies for collecting, synthesizing, and disseminating information related to the field of independent living. ILRU staff--a majority of whom are people with disabilities--serve independent living centers, statewide independent living councils, state and federal rehabilitation agencies, consumer organizations, educational institutions, medical facilities, and other organizations involved in the field, both nationally and internationally.