Center for Independent Living - Berkeley

Center for Independent Living - Berkeley CIL supports and empowers people who aspire to achieve beyond the boundaries of the expectations

The Center for Independent Living (TheCIL) provides advocacy and services that increase awareness, collaboration, and opportunity among people with disabilities and the community. Our programs provide people with skills, knowledge, and resources that empower them to eliminate damaging and stereotypical notions of disability to strive toward realizing their full human potential. We emerged from the

independent living movement of the 1960s as a powerful social catalyst on the University of California at Berkeley campus. There, Ed Roberts, Hale Zukas, and Jan McEwan Brown joined forces to lead a movement that made the university's full academic and social life accessible to all. On March 3, 1972, these students and community members joined The Center for Independent Living, Inc. From 1975 to 2011, our headquarters were located near the UC Berkeley campus on 2539 Telegraph Avenue. There, we provided services for people with disabilities that included wheelchair repair, assistance finding accessible and affordable housing, and vocational training. TheCIL also hosted the first national conference on independent living in 1975. Our peer-based services were so successful that today we serve as a model for roughly 400 independent living centers nationwide, as well as similar programs in 20 countries.

Join us for a Barrier-Free Park Picnic at Roberts Regional Recreation Area.The Rotary Club of Oakland, in partnership wi...
04/13/2026

Join us for a Barrier-Free Park Picnic at Roberts Regional Recreation Area.

The Rotary Club of Oakland, in partnership with the Center for Independent Living, invites you and your family to enjoy a day outdoors at a space designed for everyone.

In 2004, The Rotary Club of Oakland partnered with the East Bay Regional Parks District to help build the barrier-free playground at Roberts Regional Recreation Area, created so children of all abilities can play side by side in a fully accessible environment. This gathering celebrates that ongoing commitment to inclusion and access for all.

Date: May 28, 2026
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Location: 10570 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland, CA

Reserve your spot by scanning the QR code on the flyer or register here: https://bit.ly/4bYqayx

After registering, you will receive more details about the event by email.

We hope to see you there :)

The Center for Independent Living (CIL) is looking for an Assistive Technology & Residential Access Associate to join ou...
04/07/2026

The Center for Independent Living (CIL) is looking for an Assistive Technology & Residential Access Associate to join our team.

This role is an opportunity to work directly with community members to increase access, independence, and inclusion. You’ll support individuals with disabilities by repairing mobility devices, improving home accessibility (like ramps and modifications), and providing assistive technology consultations.

What you’ll do:

• Support home accessibility projects and assessments
• Repair and maintain assistive technology devices
• Work one-on-one with community members to develop service plans
• Document services and track projects
• Collaborate with community partners and programs

Who should apply:

• People with experience in social services or working with disability communities
• Candidates with hands-on skills (tools, repairs, installations)
• Organized, detail-oriented team players
• Individuals committed to disability rights, access, and anti-ableism
• Bilingual candidates and people with lived experience of disability are strongly encouraged to apply

This is a full-time, hybrid position, primarily based in West Oakland and Berkeley, with some remote flexibility.

CIL encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds — you don’t need to meet every requirement to apply.

More info and apply here: https://bit.ly/4t3F2lk

Be part of a movement rooted in dignity, choice, and freedom for all.

04/03/2026

Episode 5 of The Independent is out now 🎙️

This week, we’re joined by Vilissa Thompson, Founder of Ramp Your Voice!—a powerful advocate amplifying the voices and experiences of Black disabled women.

In this conversation, Vilissa shares how her work centers disability, race, identity, and storytelling to challenge systems, fill critical gaps, and build community. From creating spaces for representation to reminding us of the importance of joy, agency, and self-expression, this episode is both grounding and empowering.

“You have a right to be here.”

Listen now and join the conversation.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/48nAjSU

Youtube: https://bit.ly/4toIXbW

Apple Podcast: apple.co/4ttLMbZ

Looking to make an impact in your community?Become a Digital Equity Ambassador and help bridge the digital divide for se...
04/02/2026

Looking to make an impact in your community?

Become a Digital Equity Ambassador and help bridge the digital divide for seniors and people with disabilities across Alameda County.

This is a paid internship
💰 Monthly stipend: $400
⏱️ 4 hours per week

You’ll support digital literacy, help others access technology, and be part of meaningful community work.

If you’re passionate about accessibility, tech, and making a difference, this opportunity is for you.

Apply here: https://bit.ly/3PjPExk

We’re hiring at CIL!We’re looking for an Executive Assistant, Operations & Communications to support coordination across...
03/30/2026

We’re hiring at CIL!

We’re looking for an Executive Assistant, Operations & Communications to support coordination across programs, operations, and internal communications.

This role works closely with leadership and teams to manage schedules, support hiring and onboarding, coordinate cross-departmental efforts, and help keep projects and communications aligned across the organization.

📍 Full-time, based at the Ed Roberts Campus (Berkeley, CA)

If you’re highly organized, detail-oriented, and excited to contribute to a mission-driven organization advancing disability justice, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply here: https://bit.ly/4s8kGpN

03/18/2026

Award-winning filmmaker, disability rights activist, and Crip Camp co-director Jim LeBrecht shares a powerful message in celebration of the Center for Independent Living’s 54th Anniversary during our Artichoke Gala.

A reminder of the stories, leadership, and movement that continue to shape disability justice.

03/18/2026

A special moment from this past Saturday, March 14, at the Ed Roberts Campus 💜

Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii congratulates the Center for Independent Living on its 54th Anniversary during our Artichoke Gala.

A powerful reminder of the impact of community, advocacy, and the work ahead to advance disability rights.

🚨 Get Ready!Personal Preparedness TrainingEmergencies can happen anytime. Join us for a FREE 1-hour training to learn si...
03/11/2026

🚨 Get Ready!
Personal Preparedness Training

Emergencies can happen anytime. Join us for a FREE 1-hour training to learn simple steps to stay safe and prepared.

✔️ Make a plan
✔️ Get prepared
✔️ Stay informed
✔️ Build your emergency readiness

📅 March 27, 2026
⏰ 2:00 – 3:00 PM
📍 Ed Roberts Campus – Osher Rooms
3075 Adeline St, Berkeley, CA

🎒 Emergency kits will be provided to attendees!

🔗 Register here: http://bit.ly/4tJTK1x

In Memoriam: The Patty Berne Award.At CIL’s 54th Anniversary Celebration, we recognize Sins Invalid, a disability justic...
03/08/2026

In Memoriam: The Patty Berne Award.

At CIL’s 54th Anniversary Celebration, we recognize Sins Invalid, a disability justice–based performance project and movement-building organization that celebrates disability culture, creativity, and community.

This award honors the legacy of Patty Berne, co-founder of Sins Invalid and a visionary leader whose work helped shape the disability justice movement.

Through art, storytelling, and organizing, Sins Invalid continues to challenge ableism and advance liberation, dignity, and belonging.

In memoriam: The Barbara Lubin Award.At CIL’s 54th Anniversary Celebration, we honor the legacy of Barbara Lubin, founde...
03/08/2026

In memoriam: The Barbara Lubin Award.

At CIL’s 54th Anniversary Celebration, we honor the legacy of Barbara Lubin, founder of the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA) and a lifelong advocate for justice, dignity, and human rights.

Through decades of work, MECA has supported children, families, and communities across the Middle East while advancing solidarity, humanitarian aid, and grassroots organizing.

This award recognizes the enduring impact of Barbara Lubin’s leadership and the ongoing work to uphold justice, compassion, and humanity.

We’re proud to recognize Jessica Lehman as one of the Artichoke Award honorees at CIL’s 54th Anniversary Celebration. Re...
03/05/2026

We’re proud to recognize Jessica Lehman as one of the Artichoke Award honorees at CIL’s 54th Anniversary Celebration.

Recognized as a Disability Justice Changemaker, this honor celebrates leadership and commitment to advancing disability rights, access, and inclusion.

We’re grateful to celebrate changemakers helping build a more inclusive future.

CIL54

Join us for CIL’s 54th Anniversary: Radical Roots, Collective Futures.We are proud to honor Congresswoman Lateefah Simon...
03/04/2026

Join us for CIL’s 54th Anniversary: Radical Roots, Collective Futures.

We are proud to honor Congresswoman Lateefah Simon with the Artichoke Award for Disability Justice Changemaker, recognizing her lifelong commitment to civil rights, disability justice, and community power.

Be part of an inspiring evening featuring dinner, drinks, live performances, and community celebration.

📅 March 14
📍 Ed Roberts Campus
3075 Adeline Street, Berkeley, CA

RSVP: https://bit.ly/4cj5kKu

Address

3075 Adeline Street Suite 100
Berkeley, CA
94703

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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