Technical Assistance

IL-NET Training and Technical Assistance Center:

ILRU's IL-NET National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Independent Living provides timely and responsive technical assistance (TA) to centers for independent living (CILs), statewide independent living councils (SILCs), and (related to Independent Living Programs), designated state entities (DSEs).

  • For general questions about finding resources or trainings or being added to our email lists to receive updates on upcoming training activities, please contact ILRU at ilru@ilru.org or at 713-520-0232.
  • For more specific questions related to the needs of your organization or improving operational excellence, attend Technical Assistance Office Hours with Paula - Third Thursday of each month from 12pm to 2pm Eastern. For more immediate assistance, contact the IL-NET Director for Technical Assistance, Paula McElwee at paulamcelwee.ilru@gmail.com or 559-250-3082 (Pacific Time).

For Centers for Independent Living (CILs):

  • ILRU offers peer group technical assistance discussions at 3pm Eastern for: 
    • Executive Directors - Second Monday of each month
    • Assistant Directors, Program Managers, or Middle Managers - Second Tuesday of each month
    • CIL Financial Managers - scheduled quarterly
  • For one-on-one technical assistance, contact the IL-NET Director for Technical Assistance, Paula McElwee at paulamcelwee.ilru@gmail.com or call 559-250-3082 (Pacific Time).

For Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs):

  • ILRU offers peer group technical assistance discussions at 3pm Eastern for:
    • SILC staff and members (called SILCSpeak) - First Thursday of each month
    • Designated State Entities (DSEs) - scheduled quarterly
  • For one-on-one technical assistance, contact the IL-NET Director for Technical Assistance, Paula McElwee at paulamcelwee.ilru@gmail.com or call 559-250-3082 (Pacific Time).

Peer-to-Peer Mentoring

  • Peer mentoring is a specific form of individualized training assistance that matches CIL or SILC peers with peers from other CILs or SILCs to offer focused assistance with management and program issues. Peer mentoring offers an opportunity for CIL or SILC staff to strengthen operations or programs by learning from experienced colleagues. Apply for peer mentoring at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6172374/IL-NET-Peer-to-Peer-Mentoring-Application. For questions about the Peer Mentoring program, please contact Mary Willard, the IL-NET Peer Mentor Coordinator at mwillard@april-rural.org.

Technical assistance provided by the Southwest ADA Center: