Independent Living Services

What Are Independent Living Services?

North Carolinians want to participate in family and community activities to the best of their abilities. For people with significant disabilities, the Independent Living Rehabilitation Program (IL) can be a partner in better managing your own life and taking a more active part in the life of your family, home and community.

How Can IL Help?

It can assist eligible individuals with services that provide an alternative to institutionalization (for example, nursing homes) when possible. They can improve functioning in one's family, home and community. They can help prepare a person for a vocational rehabilitation employment program. Services may be provided directly, purchased, or coordinated through other community resources. If IL is unable to meet a person's needs, that individual may be referred to other agencies for services as appropriate.

What Services Are Offered?

IL professionals will partner with eligible individuals to develop objectives and identify appropriate services. These may include:

• Guidance and counseling
• Rehabilitation engineering
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Independent living skills training
• Certain equipment purchases
• Assistance with leisure services
• Personal assistance services
• Registering your service animal (PDF, 414 kb)

For more information, see our publication:
Your Vision. Your Path. Your Life. (PDF, 1.7 MB)

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible for IL services if all of the following apply: you have a significant disability; the disability severely limits your ability to live independently; and receipt of services will significantly improve your ability to live independently. The financial resources of eligible individuals will be considered for the delivery of some services provided under the IL program. Some services are available to eligible individuals without regard to their financial need.

How to Apply

If you believe you may be eligible for services, an IL professional will be happy to speak with you. You may obtain an application from an IL office. That will give you an opportunity to discuss services with our staff.

Contact Information

See a listing of local IL offices with contact information. Just give them a call. They’re waiting to hear from you.

Your Rights

For more information about your rights as a consumer or prospective consumer of IL services, visit the Client Assistance Program website.

Get Your Copy of ACCESS North Carolina!

The publication ACCESS North Carolina provides travelers with disabilities a full range of information on the accessibility of the state's parks, historic sites, museums, and other destinations. For your copy, call 1-800-VISITNC or 919-855-3524.

View the publication online. View the text-only version