Center for Independent Living (CIL), Physical and Sensory Disabilities

The Independence Resource Center (IRC) is the primary advocacy and service organization for individuals with physical and sensory disabilities in Planning District Ten. The primary service area includes the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Fluvanna County, Nelson County, Louisa County, and Greene County. The center’s secondary service area includes Orange County, Madison County, Buckingham County, Augusta County, Prince Edward County, Charlotte County, Halifax County, Mecklenburg County, Brunswick County, and Lunenburg County.

The Independence Resource Center (IRC) provides four basic core services to persons with disabilities:

• peer counseling,
• independent living skills training,
• information and referral,
• individual advocacy.

Other services can include community education, technical assistance, Personal Assistance Services (PAS), recreational activities, equipment loans, and more. Services to the community include disability awareness, technical assistance regarding accessibility and legal issues, and general disability information.

Centers for Independent Living, often referred to as "CILs" are non-residential places of action and coalition, where persons with disabilities learn empowerment and develop the skills necessary to make lifestyle choices. Centers provide services and advocacy to promote the leadership, independence, and productivity of people with disabilities. Centers work with both individuals as well as with the local communities to remove barriers to independence and ensuring equality of persons with disabilities.