Department of Education
Rehabilitation Services Administration
Evaluation of the Independent Living Program

As part of a comprehensive two-year evaluation of Independent Living Programs conducted for the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS), CESSI surveyed all Center for Independent Living (CIL) directors and a representative sampling of current and former consumers of CIL services. The study examined two major areas: consumer satisfaction and outcomes of services and systems advocacy and change.

At a time when full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society is legislatively encouraged, there is a need to maximize leadership, empowerment, independence and productivity to enhance the integration process. Independent living programs are designed to promote consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and system advocacy.

Using a participatory approach, CESSI established a diverse Panel of Experts (POE) in Independent Living to serve as content advisors during the study. The POE included representatives from the National Council on Independent Living, the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Association of Program for Rural Independent Living, Statewide Independent Living Councils, Center Directors and independent living researchers.

As active members of the team, the POE members were involved in the conceptual design framework and data collection instruments, development of data collection procedures and sampling plans, and the interpretation of the data. The team developed an evaluation strategy that respects the tenets of the IL philosophy and maintains the appropriate scientific rigor resulting in a high quality evaluation that is relevant and valid.

The results of the study were used to complement Section 704’s Annual Performance Report data and satisfy RSA’s Government Performance and Results Act reporting requirements; assist CILs to identify successful service and advocacy strategies; and inform advocates and policy makers about the Independent Living programs.

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