SVILC has been dedicated to improving the lives of people of all ages with all types of disabilities since our founding in 1976. As one of the first California Centers for Independent Living, SVILC serves one of the largest and most culturally diverse cities (San Jose) and counties (Santa Clara) in California. SVILC is a peer-based and -governed disability resource, education, training and advocacy organization that provides residents with support tools and resources needed to live interdependently, and advocates for policies that ensure equal access and opportunity for all.
SVILC is committed to the principles of self-advocacy, personal empowerment and independent living in the least restrictive environment. SVILC is a private nonprofit organization and is the only service provider in Santa Clara County that serves people with all types of disabilities and from all types of backgrounds.
SVILC strives to ensure that persons with disabilities have the same choices as people who do not have disabilities, one of which is the choice to live independently, with or without supports, in the community.
SVILC does not charge people for applying for our services. We respect your privacy. Anyone can receive services, to qualify, one must:
- be a person with a significant disability or impairment, which limits their ability to function independently in their home community, or environment, or engage in employment;
- be able to benefit from independent living services to achieve a greater level of independence; and
- live or work in Santa Clara County, or be unable to receive independent living services that SVILC provides in your own county of residence.
How to begin services
To be eligible to receive any and all of SVILC’s services, one must complete the Intake process. Please email info@svilc.org or call (408) 894-9041 to begin this process.
After the Intake process, you are eligible to receive any and all of SVILC’s services. For a complete list of workshop activities, visit Upcoming Events.
Information and Referral
SVILC offers a resource booklet to help connect people with disabilities with the most critical services in Santa Clara County. Booklets are updated at least two times per year and often more frequently, if necessary. We do our best to provide you accurate and complete information and referral to other organizations or programs that may better serve you. This service is available to persons with disabilities, their families, caregiver, and any other individual, organization, or the general public.
Emergency Services
Our Emergency Services may include: one-time rent and mortgage payment assistance, move-in costs for rental deposits, information and referrals, food distributions, case management, job training, etc.
Benefits Services
Persons with disabilities may have some difficulty identifying and understanding what benefits they may qualify for and how to apply. Our staff is here to help make sense of the jargon, obtain corresponding forms, and assist in applying for benefits.
Assistive Technology
SVILC maintains a lending library of Assistive Technology (AT) so consumers may borrow a device free of charge and try it before buying it, use it to compare similar devices, or to use while a personal device is being repaired.
Independent Living Skills
Independent Living Skills (ILS) are any Activity of Daily Living (ADL) that an individual may need skill development to maintain or increase their independence. Examples of skills-building: Time Management, Self-Advocacy, Basic Computer Skills, Internet Safety, Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, use of Public Transit systems, Budgeting and Bill Pay, Completing and Understanding paperwork, and more.
Community Transition Program
Community Transition Program (CTP) provides comprehensive care coordination, and intensive case management and monitoring to facilitate tailored transition services for persons with disabilities into a community living setting.
Peer Support
Our weekly Peer Support Group offers a safe and relaxed place to find and provide support and meet others with disabilities who “get it”! Many of our members may feel isolated or out of sorts in their day to day lives. Hosting such events provides a sense of community and provides opportunities to meet like-minded people.
Advocacy
At SVILC, we believe that the best advocate for yourself is you! In Individual Advocacy, our community advocate is available to teach you how to speak up for yourself regarding the things that matter most to you, and your independence. Should you be discriminated against because of your disability, our advocate is here to help.
Housing Services
SVILC offers housing services, which are unique to our independent living center. Our Specialists obtain and present updated information on the available waitlists and open housing opportunities to our members at our weekly workshops and during 1-on-1 appointments. SVILC works with other housing organizations to better understand and address the concerns of each member seeking housing. Each member is receiving coaching and resource information available to equip one for their housing search journey better.
Personal Care Attendant Services
Whether your PCA is through In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or out-of-pocket, it is essential that you understand the process of hiring, managing, and, if necessary, firing your PCA. For many people with disabilities, being in the “employer” role and having a PCA as an “employee” is an entirely foreign concept.
Photo by Allie Smith on Unsplash