Tools & Resources
[Tools & Resources]
What does it really mean to belong?
For people with disabilities, community living is a pathway to freedom, independence, and dignity.
Right now, nine states — including Texas, Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, and South Dakota — are challenging the federal “integration mandate,” a core protection under Section 504 and the ADA that affirms the right of people with disabilities to receive services in the community rather than in institutions. This principle was upheld in the landmark Supreme Court decision Olmstead v. L.C., recognizing that unnecessary institutionalization is discrimination.
If weakened, these protections could make it harder for people with disabilities to live in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs and increase the risk of unnecessary institutionalization.
At CIL, we’ve spent more than 45 years partnering with service providers to move care out of institutions and into neighborhoods where people can grow, connect, and thrive. Read on below to learn why community living matters — and why protecting it matters just as much.
Learn more about the challenges facing Section 504 by checking out The Arc's coverage here.
Why Community Living Matters
People thrive when they’re part of a community.
Let’s break down why community living makes all the difference:
INDEPENDENCE STARTS AT HOME
Community living empowers choice.
It gives people the freedom to make decisions about how they live.
REAL CONNECTIONS, REAL BELONGING
Inclusion happens in neighborhoods, not institutions.
Being part of a community builds relationships, strengthens social networks, and creates a sense of belonging that can’t be replicated in isolated settings.
Growth Through Everyday Living
With the right supports, people grow.
Community living creates opportunities to learn life skills (like cooking, managing money, getting around independently) that support personal development and confidence.
Better Health, Inside and Out
People living in communities experience better physical and mental health, with greater access to resources, recreation, and everyday joys that improve quality of life.
Support That Fits the Individual
There is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Person-centered supports help people live as independently as possible while receiving the services they need.
Our Commitment
At CIL, we’re proud to help non-profit service providers create homes that support independence, dignity, and belonging.
Let’s keep building communities that include everyone.
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