The purpose of the independent living programs is to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities and to integrate these individuals into the mainstream of American society. Independent living programs provide financial assistance to provide, expand and improve independent living services; develop and support statewide networks of centers for independent living; and improve working relationships among state independent living rehabilitation programs, centers for independent living, statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), Rehabilitation Act programs outside of Title VII, and other relevant federal and non-federal programs.

The Centers for Independent Living program provides grants for consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential, private nonprofit agencies that are designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provide an array of independent living services. At a minimum, centers are required to provide the core services of information and referral, independent living skills training, peer counseling, and individual and systems advocacy. Most centers are also actively involved in one or more of the following activities: community planning and decision making; school-based peer counseling, role modeling, and skills training; working with local governments and employers to open and facilitate employment opportunities; interacting with local, state, and federal legislators; and staging recreational events that integrate individuals with disabilities with their non-disabled peers.

In addition to funding centers for independent living, between 1.8 and 2 percent of the funds appropriated under this part must be used for grants, contracts or cooperative agreements to provide training and technical assistance with respect to planning, developing, conducting, administering, and evaluating centers for independent living. Another service through Independent living is transportation, including referral and assistance for such transportation and training in the use of public transportation vehicles and systems. The size of funding for this program is approximately $70,000,000 annually.  Appropriations for Independent Living services flow to States based upon formula.  The Independent Living State Grants program supports formula grants to states, with funds allotted based on population.  States may use these funds to provide resources to support the operation of the SILC.

A population-based formula determines the total amount that is available for discretionary grants to centers in each state. If state funding for the operation of centers for independent living exceeds the level of federal funds for this program in any fiscal year, the designated state unit may apply for authority to award grants under this program in the following fiscal year.

The statutory language pertaining to transportation provisions within this program is found within the following citation(s): 
29 U.S.C.A. § 796f
29 U.S.C.A. § 705

http://www.ed.gov/programs/cil/index.html