Consumer controlled, community based, cross disability, nonresidential agencies designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities that provide an array of independent living services. All CILs provide five core services: information and referral, independent living skills training, peer counseling, individual and systems advocacy and transition. In addition, many CILs also offer transportation services, mobility training, personal assistance, housing and home modifications, recreation services, vocational programs, assistance in obtaining assistive technology equipment and other individualized services designed to increase and maintain independence.

Programs that develop, implement, assess and follow up on plans for the evaluation, treatment and/or care of people who are experiencing a specific, time-limited problem such as a transition from hospitalization to independent living and who need assistance to obtain and coordinate the support services that will facilitate the change.

Individuals who have recently been released from the hospital, are recovering from an illness or injury, have chronic illnesses or disabilities, or are frail elderly and require constant medical support, and who are residing in an intermediate care facility, a skilled nursing facility, a subacute care nursing facility or a special care inpatient unit.

Individuals who have physical, sensory, developmental, cognitive, mental or emotional limitations, illnesses or injuries that affect their ability to engage in one or more major life activities. Disabilities and health conditions may be temporary or permanent, may be present at birth or occur at any point in a person's lifetime, and can be of different levels of severity.

Organizations and individual practitioners who offer maximum choice and control (including the ability to select, manage and dismiss their workers) to people who use services or other supports to help with daily activities.