The Association for Distance Education and Independent Learning is a professional association for all those engaged in, or interested in, collegiate independent study. The goal of the organization is to provide professional development opportunities as well as opportunities for collegiality and interaction.

ADEIL is a one-person, one-vote organization, with the primary emphasis of furthering the cause and understanding of independent study and providing service to the membership. It encourages personal commitment, cooperation, and sharing.

The association's primary activities include an annual conference as well as electronic and print communication between and among members. The preferred pronunciation of the acronym, ADEIL, is "a deal".