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This tool kit is designed for the new executive director of a Center for Independent Living (CIL) and its purpose is to focus attention on the most important aspects of the job. Concrete action steps are provided in easy to use checklists, bullet points, and dos and don’ts organized to help the new ED. The 17 sections of the tool kit provide information on a range of topics including the definition of a CIL, budget and finance, engaging and supporting the board of directors, strategic planning, and many more.
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Sections:
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Introduction and Suggested Dos and Don'ts
Congratulations on your new position as executive director of a Center for Independent Living (CIL)!Several of us compiling this tool kit have been... -
Section 1: Definition of a Center for Independent Living (CIL)
The 1978 amendments to the Rehabilitation Act authorized the establishment of the Independent Living Program, which includes the Centers for... -
Section 2: CIL Standards and Assurances
The Independent Living Program is based on a philosophy that sets forth a way of thinking and living. It is also a statutory program guided by... -
Section 3: Doing Business with the U.S. Government -- Important Registrations
In order to do business with the U.S. government, you will need to be able to access a number of online systems. As a new executive director, you... -
Section 4: Policies and Procedures
The assurances in Section 725(c) of the Act require that CILs “use sound organizational and personnel assignment practices” and “practice sound... -
Section 5: Budget and Finance
Managing the finances of a CIL is one of the most challenging aspects of being an executive director (ED). Mistakes in this arena can have legal... -
Section 6: Role of the Administration for Community Living's Office of Independent Living Programs
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) was created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 2012. ACL brings together... -
Section 7: Operational Excellence and Evaluation
The Standards and Assurances for CILs provide the framework for keeping your CIL on track with both legal compliance and operational excellence.... -
Section 8: Intersection of Disability and Diversity
Disability and diversity are two words that CILs know well. One of the basic definitions of a CIL is that it is cross-disability and inclusive.... -
Section 9: Engaging and Supporting the Board of Directors
How well your board of directors functions will have a big impact on your ability to do your job as executive director. You need to know up front... -
Section 10: Compliance and Independent Financial Statement Audits
The type of audit your CIL needs depends on the amount of federal funds the Center spends. Compliance Audit CILs that spend at least $750,000 in... -
Section 11: Risk Management and Insurance
Every organization has a responsibility to analyze and respond to any known risks. This is a key board role as they fulfil their duty of care to... -
Section 12: Consumer Satisfaction
In your CIL’s annual PPR, you will be asked to report on your consumers’ satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the CIL’s services. For example:Were... -
Section 13: Strategic Planning
Why is Strategic Planning Important?CILs frequently encounter challenging situations, including federal, state, or local budget cuts or delays;... -
Section 14: Advocacy vs. Lobbying
Advocacy is not only a core service of CILs, it is also the driving force in the Independent Living and Disability Rights movements.The very core... -
Section 15: Collaboration: Networks and Coalitions
The mission of a CIL involves social change—literally transforming your community. That’s a huge task for one organization to accomplish alone. The... -
Section 16: Staff Retention -- Appreciating the CIL's Most Valuable Asset
As a new ED, you may have inherited a team of dedicated, hard-working, passionate people, or you may have a number of vacancies to fill. When you... -
Section 17: You Are Important—Take Care of Yourself
These are stressful and uncertain times for us all. Even in the best of times, being a nonprofit executive director can be hectic and demanding....