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

Election Information

Click here for election deadlines, links to register or apply for a mail-in ballot, upcoming events, how to find out what’s on your ballot, and more.

Publications

NEWSLETTER:

Cover page of September newsletter

The September 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.

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.

Flyer with light blue background. Top of flyer reads "Make the Disability Vote COUNT!" Below the title is a drawing of multiple people of different races and genders. One person is using a wheelchair, and another person is using a cane. Several of the people are holding posters that read "VOTE" or "GO VOTE." The text then reads "Saturday, October 5 11:00am - 12:30pm; Wednesday, October 9 5:30pm - 6:30pm; @ FACT (3509 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach). Find out more about YOUR rights when voting, learn of the changes to curbside voting, check your registration status, register to vote, and more!" The bottom of the flyer shows the FACT logo and the ECI logo.

ECI Partnering with FACT for “Make the Disability Vote Count” Training Sessions

Home Page, items of interest, News, Training

Join ECI and FACT to find out more about YOUR rights when voting, learn of the changes to curbside voting, check your registration status,...
Read More → ECI Partnering with FACT for “Make the Disability Vote Count” Training Sessions

Make the Disability Vote Count Webinar: What You Need to Know for 2024 Voting

Make the Disability Vote Count Webinar: What You Need to Know for 2024 Voting

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

Wednesday, September 4, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Please click here to register: https://tiny url.com/bdzfx93k The following topics will be...
Read More → Make the Disability Vote Count Webinar: What You Need to Know for 2024 Voting

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

Public Hearing to Review the 2025 CRHA Plan

Home Page, items of interest, Links, News

Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority 2025 Annual Agency Plan, 2025-2029 5-Year plan, and 2025-2029 Five Year Capital Fund Action...
Read More → Public Hearing to Review the 2025 CRHA Plan

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