Who We Are
We Are Here For You
Disability Empowerment Center provides free services to people who live in King County.
We are a community-based organization led and run by people with disabilities. As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit, we are a crucial hub for individuals with disabilities to receive free individualized services and access community-based resources.
We are also part of the national network of Independent Living Centers that provides services to people with disabilities in communities across the country. We are built on the independent living philosophy that believes people with disabilities should have the choice to live independently and thrive as important members of our community.
Our Vision: People with disabilities are guaranteed equity, inclusion and choice.
Our Mission: Empowering people with disabilities to have the freedom to live with autonomy and choice.
Why We Exist
Despite significant advances, disabled people continue to face discrimination, obstacles to employment, prejudice and other unfair challenges. Many people with disabilities feel alone and lack access to services. Disability Empowerment Center exists to serve our peers in an empowering setting and to continue to champion change.
Read more about Our Cause
Our Network
Disability Empowerment Center is a member of the Washington State Independent Living Network, which includes five community-based nonprofits that serve people in 19 counties, and the national network of Centers for Independent Living that includes more than 400 organizations working in every state.
Our centers are guided by a shared philosophy that people with disabilities should have the choice to live independently and make their own decisions about their lives. Each organization serves its community’s unique needs through a shared model that emphasizes choice and empowerment. All the Centers for Independent Living are run by people with disabilities.
We are also a leader and co-founder of the King County Disability Consortium, a coalition of individuals and organizations working to confront inequity and drive systemic change for our local disability community. Learn more on the KCDC website.
Learn More
Disability Empowerment Center (formerly the Alliance of People With disAbilities) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Our federal Tax ID number is 91-1011821.