What is an Independent Living Center?

In the disability rights movement, an “Independent Living Center” is not referring to residential housing.

An Independent Living Center is a community-based nonprofit organization led and run by people with disabilities to serve other people with disabilities. The term “independent living” refers to the services and advocacy these organizations provide to help disabled people live on their own.

Disability Empowerment Center is one of these organizations.

The national network of Independent Living Centers includes more than 400 organizations working in every state. In Washington state, we have five Independent Living Center organizations serving 19 counties, which together are part of the Washington State Independent Living Council network.

All these organizations are guided by the shared philosophy that people with disabilities should have the choice to live independently and make their own decisions about their lives. Disability Empowerment Center is proud to be a member of this network.