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Endependence Center
Disability Advocacy & Services

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Endependence center building exterior

Publications

NEWSLETTER:

The April 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.

A house key is standing on end, leaning against a scale model of a house with a red roof.

NRHA Wait List Opening

Home Page, items of interest, Links, News

Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) is accepting online applications for the Project Based Voucher (PBV)/ Tax Credit...
Read More → NRHA Wait List Opening

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Input From Disability Community Needed for Strategic Plan – Virginia Board for People with Disabilities

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

The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities is seeking input as they develop their Strategic Plan, which will guide their work for five...
Read More → Input From Disability Community Needed for Strategic Plan – Virginia Board for People with Disabilities

close up shot of dollar bills, coins, a calculator, and the top of a Social Security card.

Social Security Strengthens Identity Proofing Requirements and Expedites Direct Deposit Changes to One Day

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

Click here to visit the Press Office site for ssa.gov to read this and other press releases. Press Release (Social Security Administration)...
Read More → Social Security Strengthens Identity Proofing Requirements and Expedites Direct Deposit Changes to One Day

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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