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 organizational 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.  ILC staff counsels with consumers to identify needs and evaluate the best plan to achieve their goal, which typically includes multiple services.  

ILC now has a Community Health program and two staff members that are certified Community Health Workers (CHWs).  CHWs work directly with participants walking through their challenges and barriers.  ILC staff offers advocacy and support as they assist the participant in navigating through challenging trials and situations.  Staff will provide referrals and assist in finding resources while connecting participants with services, scheduling appointments, completing online applications, and attending meeting.  ILC staff will walk through the journey with the participant and do all they can to find resources, resolve their challenges and maintain their independence.       

We are grateful for the funding that we receive and continue to search for opportunities to grow and expand services to our community.  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 and services
• Provide assistance through direct support for life essential services
• Provide more assistive/adaptive technology devices
• Work with contractors/schools to provide more ramps for  
• Increase Home Modifications and Community Based Living through accessibility
• Provide materials and training for special needs educational classrooms 
• Facilitate more classroom training programs with our schools 

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.