1. Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living
Partnering with YOU to Help People with Disabilities
Reach THEIR Goals

2. What is a Center for Independent Living?
Founded in 1976 the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (Ann Arbor CIL) is an organization run by and for people with disabilities. The Ann Arbor CIL offers hope, provides support, and transforms lives by working with and on behalf of people with disabilities with dedication to their successes, at home, at school, at work, and in the community.

3. Our Reality
There are over 30,000 people with disabilities in Washtenaw County.
According to a 2010 Survey conducted by the
Kessler Foundation and National Organization on Disability:
Only 21% of working age people with disabilities say they are employed, compared to 59% of people without disabilities.

4. Services provided Employment and small business Information & Referral
Advocacy
Independent Living Skill Training
Peer Support
Transition
Employment and small business
Theater Workshops
Art and Pottery Classes
Support Groups
Accessibility Consultation
Accessible Gym and Rec. Equipment
Disability Awareness & Etiquette Workshops
and a Computer lab

5. Did you know? In a recent survey by DePaul University,
Employees with disabilities in the retail and hospitality sectors stayed on the job longer than participants without disabilities;
Across all sectors, employees with disabilities had fewer scheduled absences than those without disabilities; and
Regardless of sector, employees with and without disabilities had nearly identical job performance ratings.
* “Exploring the Bottom Line: A Study of the Costs and Benefits of Workers with Disabilities.” DePaul University, Chicago

6. Employment Services and Support
Comprehensive Initial Assessment
Individualized Assistance
Group Workshops
Support Group
Job leads/Job Search (both individual and group)

7. Monthly Schedule Group Workshops – 3rd Wednesday
Topics: Get Job Ready, Resumes & Cover Letters, Networking for Information, Networking – Let’s Go!, Stand Out Interviews, Mock Interviews, Speed Interviewing with Employers
Individual Assistance - Schedule Appointment
Job Talk Discussion Group – 2nd and 4th Tuesdays
LinkedIn – AACIL Job Seekers
Yearly job fairs with community agencies and alone

8. Small Business
We started small business services over 20 years ago in 1994.
We are one of only 3 CIL’s statewide that provide small business service.
Our clients have started businesses that range from online plus size lingerie to lawn care to non-emergency transportation and everything in between.
I have meet over 2000 people and have helped 380 launch a small business.
Help them with business planning first. Then writing a business, financial and marketing plan.

9. Ann Arbor Area Business Leadership Network
Recognizing Best Practices in Diversity in Employment around the community
Education and training on disability-related topics
Promote Mentoring Opportunities for our Job-Seekers
Recruit participants to provide Job-Openings and other advice for job-seekers through LinkedIn
Quarterly meetings and/or events
Free membership!!!!

10. Wrap-up
Our program offers a unique approach in that we can and do treat the entire person.
They may come for one service and can get help with other things all in one place.
We understand that finding a job is difficult already so we strive to provide encouragement and support to our consumers including job seekers.
We would love to connect with you and offer our assistance to any of your folks that may need employment help.

11. Contact us
ext 19 ext 33 ext Research Park Drive Ann Arbor, MI (734)