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Endependence Center
Disability Advocacy & Services

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Endependence center building exterior

Publications

NEWSLETTER:

The February 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.

ANNUAL REPORT:

The most recent Annual Report can be viewed by clicking here or clicking the image to the left. 

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.

Cee- Cee Simmons

Waiting for a Home: The Journey for Accessible Housing

Events, Home Page, items of interest, Resources

What are your housing needs?  Do local housing plans include strategies and goals to build affordable housing for people who receive SSI?...
Read More → Waiting for a Home: The Journey for Accessible Housing

Image text reads "Annual Report, October 01, 2023 - September 30, 2024, Endependence Center." The center of the design shows a circular photo of ECI's facade, with teal, maroon and grey bands stretched across the image, diagonally. Yellow dots are scattered across the bands.

ECI Releases FY 2024 Annual Report

Home Page, items of interest, News

ECI is proud to share our Annual Report for FY 2024 (October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024). The report can be viewed below in .pdf format....
Read More → ECI Releases FY 2024 Annual Report

Flyer: "VB Residents, What are your housing and neighborhood needs? Virginia Beach Housing & Neighborhood Preservation is drafting its five-year strategic plan (2025-2030) for federal grants that support programs to address various housing needs in the city. Two ways for Virginia Beach residents to provide input: Public hearing on Feb. 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at 2408 Courthouse Drive, Bldg. 21; Online survey, available Jan. 27-March 2: Scan QR code or visit VirginiaBeach.gov/DraftCSP. Help Guide the Five-Year Strategic Plan for Housing Programs, VB Housing & Neighborhood Preservation. For more information, contact Tara Ingram, development and compliance specialist, at 757-385-5814 or TIngram@VBgov.com." The flyer has a blue and green color scheme, with a circular image near the center featuring a small wooden model house sitting on a table.

Virginia Beach Residents: Help Guide the Five-Year Strategic Plan for Housing Programs

Home Page, items of interest, Resources

The City of Virginia Beach is drafting its required Five-Year Consolidated Strategic Plan to submit to the Department of Housing and Urban...
Read More → Virginia Beach Residents: Help Guide the Five-Year Strategic Plan for Housing Programs

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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