Refer Someone to ARI
Centers for Independent Living (CIL), like Accessible Resources for Independence (ARI), are nonprofit, consumer-led organizations that provide or coordinate services and supports for individuals with several types of disabilities (consumers). ARI’s service area includes Anne Arundel and Howard County, Maryland. We partner with consumers and their support networks to help find and access the existing services available to individuals and their care networks. Find our core services listed on the ARI website Services tab.
To be eligible for most CIL services, a person must have a disability. Eligibility is determined by the individual self-reporting at least one primary disability, describing how it impacts their daily lives, and a desire to maintain or improve their independence. Under the Rehabilitation Act, an individual with a disability is defined as a person who (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (2) has a record of such an impairment, or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment. Major life activities include caring for oneself, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, performing manual tasks, and learning.
Everyone with a disability may not be eligible for our services at the exact time of referral. Our policy is to reply to referrals within forty-eight business hours. When an individual is eligible they can elect to be a part of ARI’s services by opening an Independent Living Plan (ILP). The consumer must participate in the planning process and consent physically, emotionally, and psychologically to service plans.