08/10/2026
New Jersey's Centers for Independent Living: Protecting Independence, Choice, and Opportunity
For more than 50 years, New Jersey's 12 Centers for Independent Living have empowered thousands of people with disabilities each year to live independently, make their own choices, and participate fully in community life. Established under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Centers for Independent Living are the only community-based agencies serving people of all ages and all disabilities.
Guided by the Independent Living philosophy, Centers are consumer-controlled and led by people with disabilities. More than half of every Center's Board of Directors and staff are people with disabilities or family members of people with disabilities, ensuring that our work is grounded in lived experience and a commitment to independence, choice, and inclusion.
This year's State budget reduced funding for New Jersey's Centers for Independent Living from $3 million to $1 million, forcing Centers to lay off vital staff, reduce services, and postpone or suspend important programs. These reductions jeopardize the ability of Centers to meet the growing needs of people with disabilities across New Jersey.
At a time when the rights and choices of people with disabilities are increasingly being challenged, New Jersey cannot afford to weaken the statewide network that empowers people with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities.
Despite this setback, NJACIL remains committed to working with the Governor's Administration, New Jersey legislators, and our community partners to restore this funding. New Jersey has long been recognized as a national leader in supporting disability rights. We urge our state leaders to reaffirm that commitment by investing in Centers for Independent Living and the services that enable people with disabilities to live with dignity, choice, and independence.
About New Jersey's Centers for Independent Living
New Jersey's Centers for Independent Living provide independent living skills training, peer support, information and referral, transition services, employment readiness, systems and individual advocacy, health and wellness initiatives, and connections to community resources. Together, the Centers help thousands of New Jerseyans with disabilities build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to live independently and direct their own lives.
