CILSF was founded and incorporated in 1993. Mission Our mission is to empower persons with disabilities to reach their highest level of independence and to advocate for systems change that results in access, equality, inclusion, independence, and choice for all people with disabilities. Philosophy The Center promotes and practices an independent living philosophy of peer role modeling, self-determination, equal access, and advocacy to maximize leadership, independence, productivity, and full inclusion of people with disabilities in society. The foundation of the Center is based on the five core services of: Individual and systems advocacy, peer support, independent living skills, information and referral, and transitions. Around the core foundation we’ve built a full range of independent living services that support the organization’s mission to accomplish both individual and systems change by creating an environment where opportunities exist for individuals with disabilities to maximize their individual and group potential. We accomplish this by recruiting and training individuals with disabilities to serve on committees, alliances, coalitions, advisory boards and boards of directors to influence disability policy and funding in our community.