Endependence Center
Disability Advocacy & Services
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Election Information
Election Day 2025
We’ve updated our Election Hub page with information for this year’s election on November 4. Click here to see important deadlines, information on accessible voting, and more.
Important Announcements
VACIL Virtual Trainings
The Virginia Assocation of Centers for Independent Living (VACIL) will hold three virtual trainings in September. Click here to review training descriptions and to get registration links or visit Upcoming Events.
Publications
NEWSLETTER:
The October 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.
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.
