Grants for Accessibility

The Grants for Accessibility program is designed to help low to moderate income people with disabilities make accessibility modifications to their homes or apartments.  Eligibility for this program is determined by total household income, which must be at or below 80% of median income.  Grant amounts generally range from $5,000 to $50,000 and are securitized by a lien against the home.  We assist the homeowner or renter through the project design and contractor selection process and oversee the renovation, making payments to the contractor as necessary.  With funding from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) we have improved the quality of life for 1500 individuals with disabilities since 1984.  This program has a waiting list.  If you would like more information or an application please email Fran Mazzarella, Housing Specialist, at fmazzarella@cil.org

CIL Golf Tournament

Each September we hold a charity golf tournament to raise funds for accessibility.  Over the past 20 years we have raised $750,000 for this purpose.  Examples of modifications and equipment provided include ramps, lifts, vehicle modifications, grab bars, roll-in showers and stair glides.  More than 100 golfers participate in this event which is held at Tumble Brook Country Club in Bloomfield, CT.  If you would like more information about the Golf Tournament or would like to be added to the mailing list please email Joan Danziger, Vice President, Corporate Affairs at jdanziger@cil.org

Modular Ramp Program

Beginning in 2005 CIL partnered with the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to provide modular ramps to income-eligible people with disabilities in the Greater Hartford area.  From 2005-2009 we received $230,000 from the Hartford Foundation and have provided ramps to 50 people with these funds.  Because these ramps are portable we are able to reuse ramps when they are no longer needed by their original recipients.  If you would like to be on our waiting list for a modular ramp, please contact Fran Mazzarella at fmazzarella@cil.org

Ramp Camp

CIL has conducted two Ramp Camps, in which a skilled crew of CIL employees devotes a day to build a custom wood ramp at the home of a person in need.  We are planning our third Ramp Camp for spring 2010.