Who Are We?

Self Reliance, Inc. Center for Independent Living (CIL) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1978. Our mission is to promote independence through empowering persons with disabilities and improving the communities in which we live. Self Reliance is a cross disability agency providing services to both children and adults with disabilities (regardless of age and type of disability) to identify and overcome barriers to independence in their lives. Self Reliance is one of 16 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) statewide and is a member of the Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living (FACIL).

Who Do We Serve

Any individual with a disability living in Hillsborough County is eligible for the programs provided by Self Reliance. Self Reliance is an agency of last resort providing services free of charge. Families and parents of children with disabilities may contact us a resource center as they seek to provide independence or support for individuals with disabilities. Employers, businesses and schools alike may contact us regarding disability sensitivity trainings, accommodation inquiries, or specific information about services for persons with disabilities. Rehabilitation and therapy facilities may contact us regarding individual or group training for Independent Living Skills.

We Assist People With Disabilities

People with disabilities receive individual consumer services as defined in their Independent Living Plan. Practicing the philosophy of consumer driven service delivery, individualized services are provided in the Agency office in Tampa, outreach office in Plant City as well as any other location necessary to meet the needs of the consumer. Home visits are sometimes necessary due to the severity of the disability, lack of transportation, medical issues and inability of the consumer to come to the office because of barriers in the home, the community or to transportation.

Services are also delivered to consumers in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, Assisted Living Facilities, residential treatment facilities, domestic violence shelters, at places of employment and on occasion bus stations.

Services are delivered in Plant City at the Hispanic Services office weekly. Frequently Information & Referral services are delivered at community events, public forums, consumer education and training activities in the community in addition to those being delivered in the Tampa and Plant City offices. Information and Referral services are delivered face to face as well as by telephone and email.