Disability Advocacy and Education, Abingdon

Appalachian Independence Center, Inc.(AIC) provides Independent Living Advocates to assist consumers with individual advocacy issues such as accessing benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and other services. Consumers may want advocacy assistance to obtain or maintain education, training, employment, or assistive devices. AIC's goal is not to replicate existing services, but rather to advocate for effective service delivery that places the consumer in control of service delivery that meets their needs.

AIC helps participants and other consumers with systems advocacy to make facilities, services, and opportunities available and accessible to all individuals. AIC works with other disability organizations and community members at the local, state and federal legislative levels.

AIC’s goal is to empower people with disabilities to self-advocate for changes that increase independence and creates full participation in all aspects of the community.