- Blaine
- Cascade
- Choteau
- Daniels
- Fergus
- Glacier
- Hill
- Judith Basin
- Liberty
- Petroleum
- Phillips
- Pondera
- Roosevelt
- Sheridan
- Teton
- Toole
- Valley
About Us
Centers for Independent Living
North Central Independent Living Services (NCILS), is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. NCILS is 1 of the 4 Centers for Independent Living covering all counties in Montana. NCILS opened its doors in 1989 and has been advocating for 37 years.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is to assure that persons with disabilities are recognized as individuals with the same basic rights, needs, and desires as any non-disabled individual. These rights include but are not limited to:
- Achieving as much physical and psychological independence as their disability will allow.
- Participating in social, recreational, political, religious, and community activities and events.
- Accessibility to public transportation, housing educational and employment opportunities.
The values and approach that Centers for Independent Living (CILs) uphold, particularly in our commitment to community, human connection, and peer leadership, stem from the five core services of independent living typically guiding our work.
The Five Core Services of Independent Living
- Information and Referral: Offering information about disability-related services, rights, and resources, while also helping individuals navigate the complex systems of healthcare, housing, employment, and more.
- Advocacy: Empowering individuals with disabilities to assert their rights and access opportunities for equality and inclusion in all aspects of life.
- Peer Support: The peer-led nature of CILs is central to their mission. It involves individuals with disabilities supporting one another by sharing experiences, offering advice, and creating a sense of solidarity within the disability community.
- Independent Living Skills Training: Providing training and resources to help people with disabilities acquire the skills necessary for living as independently as possible in their communities. This may include personal care, managing finances, and navigating public transportation.
- Transition Services: Providing support for individuals transitioning between life stages (e.g., from high school to adulthood), from institutional settings to community living, or from one living situation to another. This service helps people achieve a more independent and fulfilling lifestyle.
The NCILS Mission
The NCILS mission is to provide access to a more independent lifestyle for persons with disabilities through advocacy, education, coordination of services and information as directed by consumer need.
Who is eligible for NCILS services?
Any person who has a disability and a need to live more independently is eligible for services at NCILS. There are no restrictions based upon the individual’s age or disability.
