The Independence Center

Background Statement

Founded in 1987, The Independence Center (The IC) is a nonprofit organization helping people with disabilities create independence by leveraging their own unique abilities. Working with individuals, their families, and the community, we create independence so that all may thrive.

The IC is one of 500+ designated Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in the United States. Developed as part of the Independent Living Movement, CILs are nonresidential community-based non-profit organizations that are designed and run by people with disabilities to help other people with disabilities live independently.

As a CIL, The Independence Center believes that each individual knows their own needs and what works best for them. Instead of directing our consumers on how they should live their lives, we walk alongside them, offering support and resources while they create the lives they want. These services are provided at no cost to our consumers, and include information and referral, skills training, peer counseling, advocacy, transition services, and much more.

The Family and Friend Caregiver program offered through The IC helps those caring for a friend or family member with a disability under the In Home Support Services (IHSS) long-term Medicaid waiver, which allows for participants on certain Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers to receive care in their home from a family or friend caregiver.

The IC’s Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program is a partnership between the Veteran Health Administration (VHA) and The Independence Center (The IC). VDC provides Veterans of all ages the opportunity to self-direct the care and services that will best meet their individual needs.

Through these programs and services, The Independence Center is Working to Build a World Where Everyone is Known, Valued, and Included.