About the Coalition for Independent Living Options (CILO)
The Coalition for Independent Living Options, Inc. (CILO) is a private, nonprofit, client-directed civil rights organization dedicated to empowering children and adults with all types of disabilities. Established in 1990, CILO proudly serves Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties.
At CILO, we believe that every person deserves the opportunity to make their own choices and live independently. Our team partners with you to set meaningful goals, build independent living skills, and eliminate attitudinal and physical barriers within the community—helping you achieve your dreams.
We are guided by the core principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act: equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. CILO is committed to advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities in housing, transportation, education, employment, and access to public and community services.
The majority of our staff and board members are individuals with disabilities who bring lived experience, advocacy expertise, and a shared commitment to empowering others to speak up and lead self-directed lives.
Our Mission:
Promoting Independence for People with Disabilities
What We Do:
CILO’s purpose is twofold: to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their personal goals for independence and to advance societal change that fosters inclusion, acceptance, and equal opportunities for all. We offer a wide range of free services for people of all ages and all types of disabilities throughout Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties.
The majority of our staff and board members are individuals with disabilities who bring invaluable lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs within our community.
Together, we proudly supported more than 5,000 families last year—at no cost to them.
Our Story
In October 1989, a grassroots group of individuals with disabilities and representatives from key Palm Beach County agencies came together to create the Coalition for Independent Living Options, Inc. (CILO). Their shared vision was to establish an advocacy organization dedicated to supporting children and adults with disabilities. CILO was officially incorporated in January 1990 and governed by an elected Board of Directors.
Our organization’s founding coincided with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and we’ve grown alongside this landmark legislation. Today, CILO proudly serves as the primary local resource for ADA information, education, and advocacy.
