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Endependence Center
Disability Advocacy & Services

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Endependence center building exterior

Publications

NEWSLETTER:

The January 2025 Newsletter can be viewed in either .pdf or Microsoft Word format by clicking here or the image to the left. 

PODCAST:

The latest episode of ECI’s participant-driven podcast, “What’s Bugging You?” can be played below. For more information about this episode or other ways to listen, click here.

Two young women with disabilities sitting down at a cafe having a business meeting.

Welcome to ECI.

The Endependence Center, Incorporated (ECI) is a consumer controlled, community-based, cross-disability, non-residential, private, non-profit Center for Independent Living (CIL) operated by and for individuals with disabilities in South Hampton Roads, including the cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Southampton County and Isle of Wight County.

ECI provides an array of independent living services to individuals with disabilities and to the community.

Want more information about how to remove a barrier or assist with a need you have?

ECI aims to assist people with disabilities in obtaining or maintain their desired level or independence with the use of services, supports, and advocacy. ECI advocates for the integration and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspect of society.

An empowered looking woman in a wheel chair

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Visit Us

Come visit us and see how we make a difference.

WAIVER VA

Find out about Medicaid Waivers

Benefits (WIPA)

Make informed choices about employment with WIPA

Where to Start

Not sure where to start or what services we offer? Start here.

Independent Living

Open Doors to Opportunities with the Disability Community

The ECI’s desire is for people with disabilities to live a life that they are satisfied with. That they have the opportunities available to them as those with out disabilities. We understand that can be difficult to obtain due to the realities that the communities we live in are not always accommodating or understanding.

At ECI we do not define what Independence means we strive to work with you one on one to identify what in your life is hindering you from achieving it then work together to identify what resources, supports and services are available to make those happen. If needed we will also advocate to ensure that the communities, we live in are integrated and inclusive.

Business woman in wheelchair running a meeting
Smiling woman with prosthetic arm having coffee at a coffee shop
Man shaking hands in a business meeting
Older woman smiling with arms crossed

News & Resources

Training, News, & Useful Links

ECI’s goal is to ensure that you have up-to-date information about not only what we are doing at ECI but also what is happening that affects our community as a whole.

ADVOCACY spelled out in Scrabble game wood tiles

2025 Legislative Tracking – Virginia General Assembly

Home Page, Legislation

The document below from the Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living (VACIL) provides the bill number, patron,...
Read More → 2025 Legislative Tracking – Virginia General Assembly

Maroon background with the text "BACKPACK GIVEAWAY" inside a stylized white badge, accompanied by three tickets (two yellow, one white) above it. On the right side, the text reads: "Winners announced during Group Peer Mentoring February 26." At the bottom right, there is a smaller note: "Provided by Dominion Energy."

Backpack Giveaway!

Home Page, News

🎒✨ Backpack Giveaway! ✨🎒 We are excited to announce a special giveaway, thanks to a generous donation from Dominion Energy! We...
Read More → Backpack Giveaway!

New! Attend ILS Trainings via Zoom in 2025

Events, Home Page, items of interest, News, Resources

ECI is adding a virtual option for those who need to attend ILS trainings virtually. To attend via Zoom, speak with your coordinator. Or,...
Read More → New! Attend ILS Trainings via Zoom in 2025

How You Can Help ECI!

The Endependence Center, as a non-profit organization, is continually pursuing funds necessary to serve the South Hampton Roads area. Your donation can make possible the continuation and expansion of needed services to individuals with disabilities in the community.

All donations are secure and processed through paypal.

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Personal Info

Donation Total: $25.00

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