Affiliations: Cherry Engineering and Support Services, Inc., 6858
Old Dominion Drive, Suite 250, McLean, VA 22101, USA. Tel.: +1 703 845 3436;
E-mail: [email protected] | Westat, 1650 Research Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20850,
USA
Note: [] Corresponding author
Abstract: This article presents findings from a comprehensive evaluation of
Title VII, Chapter 1, Part C of the Centers for Independent Living (CIL)
program funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). These 2001
study results are based upon interviews with 569 consumers about their
experiences at CILs. We asked consumers about services received, knowledge or
skills gained, and changes in their lives they attributed to the CIL. We also
asked consumers about the extent to which they decided upon the services they
would receive. This study found that CILs are providing a wide variety of
beneficial services and advocacy in their communities. Consumers report a high
level of satisfaction with the services they receive and report significant
life changes as a result of CIL services. Only 56% of consumers stated that
they decided on the services they would receive either by themselves or in
conjunction with another staff person. Centers should take steps to insure that
consumers are empowered to make or have a voice in decisions about the
independent living services they receive.
Keywords: independent living, consumer satisfaction, evaluation, consumer control outcomes
