Appalachian Independence Center

Appalachian Independence Center AIC is an organization advocating for people with disabilities to live more independently.

Core services include: Advocacy, Peer Counseling, Independent Living Skills and Information and Referral services.

Did you know that we have some new friends who are sharing our Abingdon office space with us? Our friends at BridgesEAST...
10/06/2025

Did you know that we have some new friends who are sharing our Abingdon office space with us?

Our friends at BridgesEAST (Bridges for Deaf and Hard of Hearing) are holding an open house at AIC's main office located at 230 Charwood Drive Abingdon, VA 24210 on Tuesday, October 7 from 5:00-7:00.

Stop by to learn about BridgesEAST services and the Technology Assistance Program for SWVA! Light refreshments will be provided.

10/01/2025

❗️Important information for those who receive SNAP benefits❗️

We are so ✨excited✨ to be partnering again with Statemint Bristol for their upcoming fall event! All ticket sales from t...
10/01/2025

We are so ✨excited✨ to be partnering again with Statemint Bristol for their upcoming fall event! All ticket sales from the pre-sale will be donated directly to support AIC and our programs! THANK YOU Statemint!

09/25/2025

✨ Happening TONIGHT!
Don’t miss the Kickoff to Connection hosted by the WCPS Parent Resource Center!

📅 When: September 25
📍 Where: EO Building, Abingdon
⏰ Time: 4:00–6:00 p.m.

This resource fair is designed to support and empower families of students with disabilities. You’ll have the chance to meet community partners, each hosting a table with valuable information, resources, and support for your family.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with local organizations offering a wide range of services—come join us and start building your network!

Be sure to give the Parent Resource Center page a follow: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577049952532

09/16/2025

📆 Mark your calendars for these important dates in our Fall 2025 IFSP-Funding timeline!

📌 Please note: You only need to sign up for ONE training session. We are also holding separate trainings for support coordinators/case managers. If you can't make it, we will post a recording to our My Life, My Community Funding page (linked below).

• Sept. 22nd at 9:30 a.m.: IFSP-Funding Online Training Session 1 of 2 for individuals and families. Sign up at http://tiny.cc/xths001.
• Sept. 23rd at 1:00 p.m.: IFSP-Funding Online Training Session 2 of 2 for individuals and families. Sign up at http://tiny.cc/yths001.
• Oct. 1st at 9:00 a.m.: The IFSP-Funding Portal opens at https://dbhds.virginiagov/ifsponline. The first day to create and submit an application.
• Oct. 30th at 11:59 p.m.: The IFSP-Funding Portal closes at https://dbhds.virginiagov/ifsponline. The last day to create and submit an application.

🔗 DBHDS is working to finalize updates to our resources that can support you in applying for IFSP-Funding! In the coming days, we will post our updated Program Guidelines, FAQs, Funding Portal User Guide, and more resources at mylifemycommunityvirginia.org/ifsp-funding!
☎️ Have questions? Call My Life, My Community operators on our toll-free line at 844-603-9248 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Day 5 of Disability Voting Rights Week! ✅ Be a confident voter! In 2022, voters with disabilities were 3x more likely...
09/12/2025

Day 5 of Disability Voting Rights Week!

✅ Be a confident voter! In 2022, voters with disabilities were 3x more likely to face barriers at the polls. Making a plan helps ensure your voice is heard. This Disability Voting Rights Week, we’re building power together.

Visit biy.ly/m/REV-UP-Plan to make your plan!

Day 4 of Disability Voting Rights Week! It is important that as we make our plans to vote, we also educate ourselves ...
09/11/2025

Day 4 of Disability Voting Rights Week!

It is important that as we make our plans to vote, we also educate ourselves on issues that are important to us.

Disability Voting Rights Week Day 3! Know your RIGHTSKnow your POWERVote privately and independently; Vote in a way t...
09/10/2025

Disability Voting Rights Week Day 3!

Know your RIGHTS
Know your POWER

Vote privately and independently; Vote in a way that is accessible to you; tip: if you vote in person, ask to use the accessible voting machine or ballot marking device!; Get help with any part of the voting process from a person you choose; Note: States may have rules about who can or cannot help you vote. Check your state laws when you make your plan.

Visit https://ballotpedia.org/Virginia_Sample_Ballot to learn what is on your ballot as you work to make your voting plan!

The graphic features an image of a young Black woman with red dreads in a manual wheelchair. She wears a REV UP t-shirt and is holding a sign that says, “I vote because why not me

Day 2 of Disability Voting Rights Week! ❗️The disability vote has POWER❗️🔹In 2024, there were 40.2 million eligible v...
09/09/2025

Day 2 of Disability Voting Rights Week!

❗️The disability vote has POWER❗️

🔹In 2024, there were 40.2 million eligible voters with disabilities, representing one-sixth of the total electorate. (Rutgers, Oct. 2024 Report)
🔹Nearly one-third of all eligible voters — about 72.7 million people — either have a disability themselves or live with someone who does. (Rutgers, Oct. 2024 Report)
🔹If people with disabilities voted at the same rate as nondisabled voters, there would be about 2.0 million more voters.

🟠However, systemic barriers make it difficult or impossible for many people with disabilities to vote.

🔸Voters with disabilities in 2022 were three times more likely to have difficulty or need help voting compared to voters without disabilities.
🔸In 2017, the Government Accountability Office found that 60 percent of polling places had at least one problem that made them inaccessible

❓What barriers do people with disabilities face in voting❓

🚩The polling place is not accessible: While accessibility is required by the ADA, many polling locations remain inaccessible.
🚩Strict photo ID laws: Strict photo ID requirements disproportionately harm disabled voters and people of color.
🚩Lack of accessible information: Information about how to vote and what you are voting for is often not accessible to screen readers, people for whom English is their second language, and people who need plain language materials.
🚩Laws restricting who can assist voters: Several states have put laws in place that restrict who can help people fill out and return their ballots.
🚩Voter disenfranchisement laws: There are several states that take away the right to vote from people who have been convicted of a felony and people who are under guardianship.
🚩Bias, incorrect and harmful prejudice: Many disabled people have experienced ableism around whether or not they can or should vote.

To learn more, visit www.aapd.com/disability-voting-rights-week/

September is National Preparedness Month. AIC is hosting two upcoming emergency preparedness training sessions this week...
09/08/2025

September is National Preparedness Month. AIC is hosting two upcoming emergency preparedness training sessions this week!

Galax--with the Galax Disability & Advocacy Support Group on Wednesday, September 10 at the Galax Public Library at Noon. To RSVP, contact Sandy at AIC's Galax office: 276-236-6055.

Wytheville--with the Wytheville Disability & Advocacy Support Group on Thursday, September 11 at the Wytheville Redevelopment & Housing Authority at 2:00. To RSVP, contact Ginni at AIC's Wytheville office: 276-228-8765.

🇺🇸🗳September 8–12 is Disability Voting Rights Week: a national, nonpartisan event led by the American Association of Peo...
09/08/2025

🇺🇸🗳September 8–12 is Disability Voting Rights Week: a national, nonpartisan event led by the American Association of People with Disabilities and REV UP.

Why it matters:
✔️ People with disabilities are a powerful part of the voting population; we’re in every community and every political party.
✔️ Yet, too many barriers keep voters with disabilities from accessing their right to vote.
✔️ Disability Voting Rights Week was created by people with disabilities to raise awareness, advocate for removal of barriers, and make sure the community’s needs are represented.

This week is about standing up for disability voting rights, celebrating our community, and building power together.
Learn how you can take action: https://www.aapd.com/disability-voting-rights-week/

The Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living are hosting 3 upcoming trainings during September.📍Monday, Se...
09/02/2025

The Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living are hosting 3 upcoming trainings during September.

📍Monday, September 8, 2:00-3:30pm

Better Off Dead? Disability, Dignity, and the Debate over Assisted Su***de

As states expand the legalization of assisted su***de, the lives of people with disabilities can be jeopardized and devalued. Other countries, including Canada, have legalized assisted su***de for people with disabilities who are living with conditions the person does not feel are acceptable. These countries do not require the individual to have a terminal illness. Assisted su***de (sometimes referred to as medical aid in dying) legislation has been considered by the Virginia General Assembly for several years.

Presenter: Seth Whitten, Deputy Director, disAbility Resource Center, Fredericksburg
Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uCDMvYS_T4O7KAsBGuIXjQ

📍Tuesday, September 16, 10:00-11:00am

Technology for People Who Are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or with Speech Disabilities

The Virginia Department for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) offers services, including assistive technology, that can help people increase their communication and independence. This training will provide a review of VDDHH services and technology through the Technology Assistance Program.
Presenter: Brittany Howard, Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/UdXn3hfERVS9z9p4SomIMQ

📍Tuesday, September 30, 2:00-4:00pm

Medicaid Home and Community-based Waiver Services

People with disabilities who need support such as personal care, community engagement, and residential support may be eligible to receive Medicaid services through the Medicaid Commonwealth Community Care Plus Waiver or Developmental Disabilities Waivers. Information about eligibility, screening and services will be discussed.
Presenter: Maureen Hollowell, Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living
Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZB3agF3QSmWG22wvUkeC6g

Training facilitated by the Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living, www.vacil.org
Training provided with funding from the Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council.

Address

230 Charwood Drive
Abingdon, VA
24210

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12766282979

Website

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