Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Endependence Center
Disability Advocacy & Services

Having trouble using our website? Click the blue UserWay accessibility widget in the right side of your screen or press CTRL + U to customize our website for your unique accessibility needs. For users using screen readers the name of this widget is UserWay Accessibility Menu and can be accessed by the keyboard shortcut (CTRL+U) or by clicking the blue icon located on the right had side of the screen at vertical center.

Endependence center building exterior

Core Services

Current ECI Participants

Click here to complete the 2024 ECI Participant Satisfaction Survey.

Publications

NEWSLETTER:

Cover page of August newsletter

The August 2024 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.

What is New

OPEN POSITIONS

We’re hiring! Visit Job Opportunities to view open positions and how to apply.
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

.

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.

Metal desk ornament depicting the scales of justice. A judge's gavel is resting on the desk in front of the scale.

“Building Accessible Justice in Virginia”: ECI to Host Focus Group for Survivors of Sexual Violence

Home Page, items of interest, News

The “Building Accessible Justice in Virginia” initiative is a collaboration among the disAbility Law Center of Virginia, the...
Read More → “Building Accessible Justice in Virginia”: ECI to Host Focus Group for Survivors of Sexual Violence

Celebrating the ADA and Disability Pride Month Staff Spotlight: Catrina Flowers

Home Page, items of interest, Staff

  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July to...
Read More → Celebrating the ADA and Disability Pride Month Staff Spotlight: Catrina Flowers

Photo of Ben White, ECI staff member

Celebrating the ADA and Disability Pride Month Staff Spotlight: Ben White

Home Page, items of interest, Staff

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July to commemorate...
Read More → Celebrating the ADA and Disability Pride Month Staff Spotlight: Ben White

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.

$
Personal Info

Donation Total: $25.00

Close Search Window