Independent Living Center of North Central Ohio

A LOOK AT WHO WE ARE:  The Independent Living Center of North Central Ohio was established in 1993. It is a non-profit consumer-controlled organization working, for, and with, individuals with disabilities in Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Morrow, and Richland Counties. We provide Core Services in Advocacy, Information and Referral, Peer Support, Independent Living Skills, and Transition Services.  Periodically, we also provide other services including various opportunities through collaborative efforts.

We are a United Way of Richland County Partner Agency.

MISSION STATEMENT: The Independent Living Center of North Central Ohio is a non-residential agency offering services for individuals with disabilities that will allow them to remain active and independent within their homes and communities.

VISION STATEMENT: “We envision a time when All Americans, including individuals with disabilities and the aging populations, will be able to live at home with the supports they need in an independent manner. We advocate and educate for inclusion in a society that will respect and value contributions of all individuals, including those with a disability.”

WHAT WE DO:

Our normal programs are focused around our Core Services of Advocacy, Information and Referral, Independent Living Skills, Peer Support, and various Transition Services including our YMCA Program, Adult Socialization Program, Summer Youth Program, the Emergency Assistance Program, Peer Support, and Assistive/Adaptive Technology.

Due to an increase from COVID-19 federal funding, we were able to grow and expand programs for the last year and a half.   We started new programs and increased services with a number of our other programs including the Emergency Assistance Program, Assistive Technology, our Satellite Office, ILC Classroom and Sensory Room, a Bookbag Giveaway, Food Giveaways, 2020 Christmas Program, Personal Protection Equipment, and the CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Program. 

We are grateful for the funding that we received due to the COVID pandemic and the opportunities it provided however, that funding has expired.  Moving forward, we will continue our mainstream and signature programs as always and are asking for support from the community to continue providing these essential services. 

WHAT WE PLAN TO DO WITH YOUR HELP

By donating to our organization, you can help us: 

• Continue and grow more collaborative programs 
• Provide assistance through direct support for life essential services
• Provide more types of assistive/adaptive technology
• Expand our essentials/incontinence closet 
• Support/host more collaborative programs with our schools 
• Work with contractors/schools to facilitate a much-needed ramp program 
• Increase Home and Community Based Living assistance for accessibility
• Provide materials for special needs educational classrooms 

The fight for civil rights in the disability community has been a long and ongoing process.  The changes that have been made and will continue to be made would not be possible without the communitive efforts from those with and without disabilities.