The State of Illinois does not allow the city, street address, or ZIP code for CILAS to be shared with the public. This is to ensure privacy. Information about a CILA in your county can be obtained by calling the phone numbers listed when you click on a county name on the map.
A CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement) is a small home or apartment in the community where people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) can live as independently as possible while still getting the help they need.
CILAs are the most community-based, flexible, and independence-focused living option in the Illinois disability system. They are funded through Medicaid and closely monitored by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).
What a CILA Looks Like
CILAs are regular homes in neighborhoods and can include:
- Houses
- Townhomes
- Duplexes
- Apartments
Most CILAs have 1 to 8 people living together.
Inside, a CILA usually has:
- Bedrooms and shared living spaces
- A kitchen and dining area
- Bathrooms
- Normal household furniture
- Safety features depending on people’s needs
The goal is for the home to feel like a typical, everyday home, not a facility.
Who Lives in a CILA?
A CILA is for adults with IDD who:
- Want to live in the community
- Can do some things on their own but still need help with others
- Do not need constant nursing or medical care
- Want to build independence skills
- Benefit from living in a small, calm, home-like setting
- May need help with communication, safety, or daily routines
CILAs are also good for people who want more privacy, freedom, and choice in their daily lives.
What Support Does a CILA Provide?
CILAs offer different levels of support depending on what each person needs. They may include:
1. Daily Living Support
- Cooking or meal help
- Cleaning and chores
- Laundry
- Shopping
- Budgeting or paying bills
- Using transportation
- Personal safety skills
2. Personal Care Help
- Bathing and hygiene
- Dressing
- Medication reminders or help
- Health appointments and follow-up
3. Skill-Building
- Learning to cook
- Washing clothes
- Planning a schedule
- Building communication skills
- Practicing problem-solving and independence
4. Community Participation
- Going to work
- Volunteering
- Joining clubs, church, or other activities
- Going to parks, stores, and events
5. Staff Support
Staff may be there:
- 24 hours a day (24-hour CILA)
- Several hours a day (Intermittent CILA)
- On-call, depending on the person's needs
Services are customized for each person through an Individual Service Plan (ISP).
What Makes a CILA Different?
CILAs are the most flexible and personalized option in Illinois.
Compared to other settings:
- They are smaller and more home-like than ICF/DDs or CLFs
- They have less medical and behavioral staff than MC Facilities or SODCs
- They give people more choice, privacy, and independence
- They focus on living in the community, not in a large campus or institution
- People have more control over their daily routines, meals, activities, and goals
CILAs are meant to help people live as typical a life as possible.
Rules and Oversight
CILAs must follow rules from:
- Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
- Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
- Health, safety, and rights protections
- Staff training standards
- Fire and emergency safety rules
- Regular inspections and reviews
These rules ensure people are safe, respected, and supported.
The Main Goal of a CILA
The goal is to help each person:
- Live in a real home in the community
- Make their own choices
- Build independence skills
- Participate in daily life
- Stay safe and healthy
- Have friends, activities, and meaningful routines
- Work toward personal goals
- Live with dignity, respect, and freedom
A CILA is all about helping people live as independently as they can, while still having the support they need to succeed.
