Photo of a person in a wheelchair in front of an accessibility ramp. The background is black and white.

By building or installing various home modifications, CIL's Residential Access Program helps residents live more safely and independently in their homes.

RESIDENTIAL
ACCESS

Photo of a woman riding a lift on a scooter.
Photo of a man in a wheelchair using a lift at his home.
Photo of a couple using a lift.
Photo of a man using a guide rail.
Photo of accessibility ramps of varied length and size grouped together.
Photo showing an accessibility ramp from a walkway to a door.

Residential Access Program

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By building or installing various home modifications, CIL helps residents live more safely and independently in their homes.  Our Residential Access Specialist will do a home assessment to determine the best improvements to meet your specific needs.

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Examples of modifications include:

  • Exterior lifts or ramps, grab bars, standing poles

  • Flexible shower hoses

  • Flashing doorbells

  • Tactile stair tread

  • Handrails and much more

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This program is free for low to moderate-income Berkeley residents who have a verified disability, whether homeowner or renter. Only for City of Berkeley residents. Must show proof of income, occupancy, and other required documentation.

If you do not fit the requirements for this program, CIL has a fee-for-service consultation for homeowners who live in the East Bay to determine the best ways to make their homes more accessible.

 

Loaner Ramp Program

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As a temporary solution to improve accessibility, CIL now has a Loaner Ramp Program. If you or someone you know needs to access a threshold of one or two steps, we have a selection of one to six foot ramps available to loan.

LAB

ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY

Photo of Smart Home Lighting.

DEMO SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY

New to smart home technology?  Visit our Assistive Technology Lab to learn about Smart TVs, voice-command lighting, and more.

Learn More

For more information about CIL's Residential Access Program, contact:

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John Benson

Residential Access Coordinator

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jbenson@centerforindependentliving.org or contact CIL at 510-841-4776

Photo of John Benson.

Julia's Story
Empowerment Through Access

Shown during the 2019 Ed Roberts Awards, "EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ACCESS" shows how partnerships between Berkeley community organizations can benefit residents like Julia. Thanks to the Berkeley Fire Fighters Association for their support!

Margie & Luis
A Residential Access Story

In this video, "Margie & Luis," we talk with CIL Residential Access Coordinator, Margie Cochran, about how one particular client came to the attention of CIL. We sit down with the client, Luis, a 20-year-old from Oakland, as he explains how the new ramp, provided by CIL, has helped him live more independently.