MWCIL

The MetroWest Center for Independent Living was created by people with disabilities seeking full integration into society. MWCIL enhances the full participation of persons with disabilities in the community. The MWCIL:

• Empowers people with disabilities with the practical skills and self-confidence to take control over their lives and become active members of the communities in which they live.
• Works to promote access and change within society and responds with programs and services to the needs of people of all ages with a wide range of disabilities.
• Is dedicated to helping people with disabilities gain freedom from nursing homes and other institutional settings.

Independent Living is a philosophy and a worldwide movement by people with disabilities for self-determination, self-respect and equal opportunities. All individuals have the right to choose the services that they want to receive and to make decisions about how to live their lives.

The purpose of the Independent Living Movement is to remove barriers for people with disabilities. People with disabilities are entitled to have the same opportunities for raising families of their own, getting an education and working.

Centers for Independent Living exist throughout Massachusetts. Services are available to anyone with a disability. There is no cost for services. The MWCIL serves individuals with disabilities within a catchment area of 26 Towns in MetroWest Massachusetts who have needs, goals, or barriers to becoming more independent.

Speak to your KPHS Liaison to help with a referral to the TAP program or contact them directly.

• Transition: most relevant and helpful for KPHS students are the Transition To Adulthood Program (TAP) services. MWCIL Coordinators work directly with young adults, help them determine their goals and find pathways to achieving these goals. By using the IL model, they ensure that young people learn to make their own decisions and live life to the fullest. Speak to your liaison or the KP Transition Coordinator to learn more about the TAP or to request a referral. Check out their TAP webpage for more information. Click here for their application/”parent interest survey” for services.
• Advocacy: MWCIL participates in advocacy based on consumer and/or community issues. A complete description of these services is on their advocacy page. 
• Information and Referral: MWCIL provides disability and community related information to all individuals with disabilities, family members, service providers, and community members who request it. When working with IL Coordinators, consumers learn about the options, benefits and services provided by local, state and national organizations.
• Independent Living Skills Training: training is personally tailored to achieve consumers’ goals. Some skills relate to personal growth, others relate to learning more about how to handle and navigate services and responsibilities. Examples include: social, transportation, pre-vocational, and home management skills.
• Peer Support: One-on-one peer mentoring helps people with disabilities develop mutual support, assistance, confidence and understanding. MWCIL provides peer support in a consumer-directed manner over the telephone, in person at the center, or at a consumer’s living site. MWCIL staff have been trained in the philosophies and practices of independent living and communicate these strategies to consumers in peer support interactions.   Some staff members have personal experience with disabilities and share their insights with other staff members and consumers within the Peer Support Services.