The 1960s marked the beginning of the disability rights movement, with Berkeley at its forefront. Now, six decades later, the Center for Independent Living, or CIL, continues efforts, including the recent Disability Pride celebration and a new executive director, hoping to enhance the disability community through partnerships and engagement. 

The CIL celebration was held last Wednesday at the Ed Roberts Campus building, a nonprofit formed by multiple disability organizations including CIL. The event included the introduction of new Executive Director Victor Pineda and a number of figures within the disability community, such as film director Jim Lebrecht, activist Joan Leon, former Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates and Pineda. Read more…