A CIL is an organisation run by disabled people for disabled people working to promote the principles of independent living (that is asserting control about the decisions over their lives, empowering themselves, taking more responsibility about what is important to them and having choice and control over their lives). CILs usually offer and facilitate advice, information, peer support, self-help, sharing and training to disabled people and their members. The first CIL was built in Berkeley, California USA and the first in the UK was built in Hampshire, South of England in 1984.
Camden Disability Action (CDA) leads on the CIL service commissioned by Camden Council. The service is based at the Greenwood Centre and will be a one-stop-shop for advice, information and support for D/deaf and disabled people, including those whose first language is not English, who use British Sign Language or have a learning disability.
The service will provide volunteering, learning and work opportunities for D/deaf and disabled people. It will build the confidence of D/deaf and disabled people and help them to speak up for themselves about issues that are important to them and their families.
The CIL will be the base for a range of activities, and will network with other providers, promoting social inclusion through enabling integrated activity. The service will be entrepreneurial, working with organisations and businesses in the borough to develop new services.
If you would like to get involved with helping CDA to deliver our CIL vision, then please do get in touch! We are looking for partner organisations, volunteers, and just any ideas or inspiration that you would like to share with us!
Please email: communications@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk
