In 2003 the annual Cinco de Mayo parade in Fruitvale, California brought out the usual large crowds celebrating Mexico's independence from the French and the continual struggle in the U.S. for social justice in the Latino community. However, one significant change was noticed. This year a contingent of disabled adults marched in the parade under the banner, Center for Independent Living (CIL). Six people in wheelchairs led a group of about 18 others, many using crutches and canes. CIL's message was, "We are valuable people and we can be productive." The group was met with loud applause from everyone along the streets for exhibiting self-pride. The disabled participants were integrated as part of the community. People who had a hard time facing society as people with disabilities were out there ridding themselves of shame and stigma. Thanks to CIL. The Center's presence in Fruitvale's largely Latino community is helping achieve a critical awareness - that disabled people are contributing members in the community.

The first CIL was founded in Berkeley nearly 50 years ago. Four years ago CIL opened an office in nearby Fruitvale. To many disabled Latinos in the Fruitvale area, CIL has been a prayer answered. With Leticia Escalera as Director, the office assists community members with issues including housing, health benefits, personal assistance, assistive technology as well as information and referral.

CIL in Fruitvale has been very successful at reaching out to Latinos with disabilities. CIL's main goal is to provide clients with information, assistance, and the opportunity to empower themselves. Through medical services, family counseling and employment training people with disabilities can live as independently as possible. The staff is fully bilingual, serving clients that speak Spanish as well as English. Leticia counsels clients, reinforcing their confidence and assisting them to remain open to new possibilities and discovering alternatives to confront obstacles.

Stories abound exalting CIL's contribution to the Latino community. In partnership with the department of rehabilitation, CIL has helped numerous clients realize healthy independent living outcomes. Some people who sustained disabling injuries during manual labor employment are redirected into non-manual labor positions, including receptionist and secretarial work. One story involves Juan, a man who worked in a factory until he injured his back. He did not qualify for another job until the department of rehabilitation sent him to take English-as-a-second language classes, which were followed by employment training. Juan was eventually able to become a supervisor in the same factory where he was once an assembly line worker. In an ironic twist, after the injury and through his rehabilitation, Juan learned English, improving his employability.

Then there is Lydia, a woman who dreamed about becoming a teacher. She sustained physical injuries that prevented her from continuing the job she held at a factory. Two years following her surgeries, Lydia began English as a Second Language (ESL) classes that led to her attending community college and becoming a teacher's assistant. Recently Lydia received her teaching credential and became a teacher.

For Raul, a Mexican immigrant, who has had a disability since adolescence, finding a job as a welder in the United States seemed near impossible. He worked as a welder in Mexico but believed his visible physical disability made employers reluctant to hire him. Leticia accompanied Raul to several job interviews to vouch for his ability, but only rejection followed. Leticia reports, "I suggested that he get a cart to sell paletas (ice-cream bars). Since Raul couldn't afford to buy a cart, he built his own and sold raspadas (snow cones). Then someone saw it and was willing to buy it for $5,000." But tough luck befell Raul when someone broke his cart. It was never purchased.

As luck would have it a blind man who lives in the neighborhood heard about Raul. He offered to help Raul buy another cart and to physically move the cart from one location to another. Together, they sell raspadas in the summer and churros (cinnamon twists) in the winter. They are sponsored by a local restaurant in order to comply with city permit laws.

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