Equal community access
& opportunity for all
Independent Living Resources of Solano & Contra Costa Counties empowers people with disabilities and older adults to live fulfilled, independent lives in their communities: by helping eliminate the institutional, social, and attitudinal barriers that get in the way of progress.
Our community partners:
The freedom to make choices.
And the resources to act on them.
Self-determination (or the power to take control and make choices about your own life) is a basic human right.
But too often, systems put people with disabilities and older adults in a role where they are “vulnerable,” need to be “cared for,” or told what is best for them.
At Independent Living Resources, we put the control to make choices back where it should be: with you.
We never tell you what is best for you. Instead, we hear what you want to achieve. Then we connect you with the necessary services, support, and resources to help you succeed in those goals.
Born from a grassroots movement by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities
In 1962, Ed Roberts (often called the “Father of Independent Living”) arrived at the U.C. Berkeley campus. He was the first student with significant disabilities to attend Berkeley, and had to live in the infirmary since the dorms were not yet accessible. Other students with disabilities soon joined him.
While there, this group of students fought against the systemic belief that people with disabilities needed to be protected and cared for by medical professionals.
Advocating for their own power of choice, they hired personal attendants, accessed widely unused laws that provided funding for these personal attendants, and eventually began to move out of the hospital and into apartments on campus.
By 1972, these students came together to form the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley.
But their influence did not stop there.
On a wider scale, they sparked an independent living movement. One that eventually led to the founding of Independent Living Resources of Solano & Contra Costa Counties, as well as a network of hundreds of similar independent living centers throughout the United States.
Working for and with you
At ILRSCC, we are not an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. We do not manage caseloads, or follow up with other agencies on your behalf. Rather, we take an active role in helping you succeed in your independent living goals: by empowering your freedom of choice and supporting you through to achievement.
Housing support
Get help understanding fair housing laws, and get personalized assistance for housing-related concerns
Disaster access and resources
Get access to support and power solutions that keep you prepared in the event of outages or natural disasters
Information & referrals
We ask questions, listen to your story, and direct you to the people or agencies that can help address your needs
Peer counseling
Individual, family, and group counseling for people with disabilities, led by people with disabilities
Transition & diversion
We support you during times of life transition, and become a voice of advocacy when you are at risk of entering institutional living
Independent living skills
Public transportation, money management, grocery shopping, social communication: practical skill building to fit your personal goals
Assistive technology
Get help accessing the assistive technology you need to live independently, with personalized training to ensure proper use
Attendant referral
We help connect you with personal attendants who can support your daily needs, and offer guidance as you begin working with an attendant for the first time
Advocacy
ILRSCC continuously advocates to improve the lives of people with disabilities and older adults: working to address public transportation, fair housing, and widespread policy change
“Following a recent 24-hour power outage in my home, I wanted to thank you and your support program at ILRSCC for the access to backup energy resources. I am also very grateful for the continued outreach, education, and guidance you provide, but most especially for the genuine compassion and kindness you share.“
– TY
Consumer-led at our core
People with disabilities and older adults are not patients. They are not clients who need to be directed by professional services on what paths they should take.
They are consumers. People who have the right to hear about options and make informed decisions about what is best for them.
When we say that we are consumer-led, it is because our programs are designed and administered by over 51% of people with significant disabilities who live independently.
Together, we are driving the mission, policies, advocacy, services, and service delivery that define what we do at ILRSCC: to ensure that our work truly reflects the needs and goals of the community we serve.
Access our free resources & support
Contact ILRSCC now
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