The Center for Independent Living

What is Independent Living? (Pictures)

It is the right to control and take charge of your life. It doesn’t mean wanting to do everything by yourself or living in isolation. Independent Living means having the same choices and control in your daily life that non-disabled friends, neighbors, and family members take for granted. This includes taking risks, taking responsibility, and having the same right to succeed or fail.

Program staff provide the following four core Independent Living Services:

1) Information & Referral - This provides an individual access to what services are available, and then explains where and how to get appropriate services.

2) Independent Living Skills Training - Training is tailored to personal need, and may be done on an individual basis or in a group. Some examples of this type of training include managing your money, personal care, coping skills, equipment maintenance, cooking and social skills. ASSIST! has a fully accessible kitchen which may be used for cooking skills training.

3) Individual and Systems Advocacy - An advocate is simply someone who knows the process for getting needed services and will help you learn how to speak for yourself, and gain access to those services. Systems advocacy works to empower others to promote changes within their community and environment.

4) Peer Mentoring - A mentor is an individual with a disability who has gained a certain level of independence and community integration, and who is willing to share their experiences and knowledge with you. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who has been in the situation that you are in and understands what you are going through.

In addition to the four core services, the following services are also provided through the Rehabilitation Technology Program:

Traditional Healing - financial assistance for native healing ceremonies that relate to independent living needs and goals.

Home Modifications & Environmental Interventions - making homes accessible and safe that individuals can age in place in the comfort and security of their own home and community.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) - a large selection of equipment such as walkers, reachers, wheelchairs, bedside commodes, etc., is available through the Center and third party billing. ASSIST! is a DME provider through Medicare and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Many times, these items are available for loan while the funding is being worked out.

Transportation - non-emergency transportation can be provided to medical appointments for individuals who qualify for these services.

Pictures of Durable Medical Equipment, Home Modifications and Skills Training

A bedside commode, cane, walker, and reacher.


A variety of wheelchairs, motorized and self-powered.


A bathroom fitted with shower and toilet aids.


A ramp added to an existing home.


A temporary ramp.


Learning cooking skills.


The right tools for the job.