[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 29, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RONALD V. DELLUMS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 1997

  Mr. DELLUMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Center for 
Independent Living's 25th anniversary. It is appropriate at this time 
to highlight its many achievements and to underscore the positive 
impact that it has made in the local community.
  The Center for Independent Living, the first of it's kind, was 
established in 1972 for the purpose of allowing people with 
disabilities to live independently, to attain their productive 
potential, and to participate fully in all aspects of society. 
Throughout it's history, the Center for Independent Living has played a 
pioneering role in advocating architectural changes to make the 
community more physically accessible, instructing in techniques of 
independent living, and offering a core of essential services. This 
comprehensive package of services to help people with disabilities is 
offered in the belief that it is the most effective way to serve 
clients who have complex and interconnected needs.
  Currently there are 30 Centers for Independent Living throughout 
California, and over 300 throughout the country, which are modeled 
after the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley. The services that 
it offers include advocacy, attendant referral, blind services, deaf 
services, employment services, peer support services, youth services, 
services for people with mental disabilities, independent living skills 
information and referral, a client enhancement and empowerment project, 
and housing. Berkeley's Center for Independent Living has increased the 
quality of life for thousands of people with disabilities, independent 
living has increased the quality of life for thousands of people with 
disabilities locally, nationally, and internationally, and was involved 
in the passage of the 504 Act of 1973, State title XXIV, and the 
Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.
  The Center for Independent Living has brought national and 
international attention to the state of California and the Nation as a 
leader in assuring access to people with disabilities, I commend the 
Center for Independent Living for all its hard work, dedication, and 
commitment to our community as well as to the Nation.

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