Services Requested and Received by Consumers with Chemical Sensitivities at the Centers for Independent Living

Abstract

This paper presents results from surveys of 41 persons with environmental sensitivities (ES) who requested help from Centers for Independent Living (CIL), primarily in the U.S. The most common requests were for help with safe housing, employment services, and application for SSDI. Consumers with ES encountered multiple problems not only with receiving services, but also simply with "getting in the door," as many centers were not equipped to understand or serve persons with chemical or electromagnetic sensitivities. We present suggestions from respondents for improved access and service for this population and for training of CIL advocates.