ECI will be closed on Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents Day
We are experiencing intermittent phone/internet outages. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to speaking with you soon.
Due to area inclement weather, the ECI office is closed. Staff is teleworking during normal business hours.
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.
Important Announcements
Join Our Team: ECI is hiring a Deputy Finance Director. This position is a planned successor role. Click HERE to review the job description, responsibilities, qualifications, and find out how to apply.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled
Elections in Virginia: There will be three elections in Virginia in 2026. Click HERE to visit our Election Hub with more information and important dates for each.
Increased Security at Area Military Bases: HRT Paratransit is not providing service to Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Naval Station Norfolk, or Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek until further notice. Click HERE to view the Service Alerts.
DEI: A Discussion: ECI was invited to participate in “DEI: A Discussion”, a half-hour special on 13NewsNow that explores the understanding, impact, and attitudes towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. Click HERE to view.
Publications
NEWSLETTER:
The March 2026 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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
NRHA FY2027 Annual and 5-Year Plan Drafts Available for Comment
March 12, 2026| Home Page, Housing
The information below is from the Norfolk Redevelopment Housing Authority. The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) has...
Read More → NRHA FY2027 Annual and 5-Year Plan Drafts Available for Comment