Studies/Analyses
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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