Central Iowa Center for Independent Living

Central Iowa Center for Independent Living (CICIL) is a nonprofit organization based in Des Moines, Iowa, with a mission to empower individuals with disabilities to take control of their lives and fully integrate into their communities. Established in 1990, CICIL is one of six Centers for Independent Living (CILs) operating within Iowa.

At CICIL, our guiding principle is rooted in the belief that individuals with disabilities should have equal opportunities to participate in society and maintain autonomy over their lives. We firmly believe that the entire community benefits when all citizens live with self-reliance and dignity.

We provide a range of services across seven counties - Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Marion, Polk, Story, and Warren - working closely with each individual to help them achieve their personal goals. Our services include information and referral, advocacy, employment support, peer mentoring, transition assistance, as well as independent living skills training. These services are offered free of charge and are designed to address our clients' holistic needs while supporting their families.

In line with our commitment to advancing the independent living philosophy, we offer Five Core Services: Information and Referral; Independent Living Skills Training; Individual and Systems Advocacy; Peer Support; Transition, and Employment Services. Additionally, we provide Benefits Planning services to ensure that individuals are aware of all available resources.

Through these comprehensive services and our dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities, CICIL strives to create an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We are committed to promoting independence while providing essential support for those we serve.