Two women, one of whom has limb difference, smile for the camera. They are seated behind a table with notebooks, and one woman is poised to write with a pen

HAIL - Health Access for Independent Living

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What is HAIL?

Watch our video for an overview.

Did You Know That People with Disabilities Can Be Healthy?

Download HAIL Fact Sheet (PDF)

HAIL was created to support Center for Independent Living (CIL) staff to assist their consumers with physical disabilities who want to be healthier. The program helps CIL staff members and consumers work together to set and reach some health goals that are chosen by the consumer. 

Not long ago, people with disabilities were thought of as sick, and not able to improve their health. Sometimes they did not get information or services, like flu shots, that would help them to be healthier. Also, people with disabilities might not have the skills to use health care services well, like working with their doctor or managing their medications.

Now it is well known that people with disabilities can be healthy, and can do things that will help them to feel better and more able to do what they want in life. Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), there have been more opportunities to live in and to be part of the community. Just like others, many people with disabilities want to:

  • Work or volunteer in the community
  • Enjoy activities with friends and family, like going to sports events or caring for children
  • Do things they love but have become difficult, like gardening or arts and crafts.

Or, some people may simply want to stay out of the hospital and remain in their own home. But, we need to find ways to give people with disabilities information and support that can help them to be healthy.

Please check out this site to learn how YOU, as a CIL staff member or a consumer, can use this program.

The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90RT5015). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this website do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.