Mission

The Center for Independence is a 501 (C) 3 organization serving as a resource for individuals with disabilities to fully access and participate in the community through outreach, advocacy, and independent living skills development.
We serve people with disabilities in Pierce, Thurston, South King, Mason, Grays Harbor, Kitsap & North Lewis Counties.

History

We were founded in 1981. Our primary funding sources are from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and the US Department of Education. We are also supported by individuals and businesses in the communities we serve.

The Independent Living movement grew from the social activism in other movements during the 50’s and 60’s, such as the Civil Rights movement and the Women’s movement.  The ideologies of de-institutionalization, equal rights for minorities, and consumer rights, were driving forces in the awakening of the Independent Living movement. Some of the basic values of the IL movement are that we celebrate diversity, recognize that the personal is political, encourage peer support, and develop a cross-disability community where we advocate for systemic change.

Independent Living Philosophy

The Independent Living Philosophy means that people with disabilities have rights to self-direction and autonomy.  We have the right to choose where we live and how we live.  We have the right to participate fully in our communities.  Independent Living means self-direction and self-care and freedom from control by professionals.  We have the right to have control over the support services and assistive technology we use to live independently. 

Our assumption is that people with disabilities have many strengths, abilities, and thoughts to contribute to the greater community.  In order to support independent living, the Center for Independence is committed to advocating for removal of architectural and communication barriers as well as equal rights and opportunities.