Appalachian Independence Center

08/12/2025

Curious about the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan? See the attached post from our friends at the disAbility Law Center of Virginia.

07/31/2025

07/28/2025

🎉🎈Join us at 2:00 TODAY (7-28) for the virtual Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living ADA Celebration!

Click this link at 2:00 to join the celebration with us! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84075514714?pwd=2mNwKZxv7RB3EqzmabLbBQQPQSaMIW.1

07/28/2025

📍Reminder: AIC is screening "Change Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act" at 1:00 in our Abingdon office conference room today 7-28-25.

AIC's Abingdon office is located at 230 Charwood Dr. Suite G, Abingdon, VA 24210.

If you aren't able to join us, we highly recommend watching this powerful documentary on your own!

The dramatic story of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. The film highlights the determined people who literally put their bodies on the line to pass the legislation that changed the lives of all Americans.

07/26/2025

Today, July 26, 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities. This legislation established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

While the ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing participation in community life; the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if public entities, private business, and individuals remain committed in their efforts to fully implement the ADA.

Appalachian Independence Center (AIC) invites you to join us for a special afternoon in celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We will be screening the powerful PBS documentary “Change Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act” (runtime: 1 hour) at AIC’s Abingdon office at 1:00, followed by a joint virtual celebration with the Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living at 2:00. During the virtual celebration, you will have a chance to hear from Kathy Hayfield, the Commissioner of the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) as well as hear ADA stories highlighted from Centers for Independent Living across the state. Light refreshments will be provided

Want to celebrate with us, but aren’t able to be there in person? Screen “Change Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act” at your leisure by visiting this link: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/change-not-charity-americans-disabilities-act/

To join us for the virtual celebration, visit the virtual celebration link at 2:00
Virtual Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84075514714?pwd=2mNwKZxv7RB3EqzmabLbBQQPQSaMIW.1

AIC is a private, nonprofit organization that assists individuals with disabilities to be independent. AIC also assists the community to be accessible for all.

Our Abingdon office is located at 230 Charwood Dr. Suite G, Abingdon, VA 24210.

RSVP is encouraged but not required. For more information or to RSVP contact abryant@aicadvocates.org, 276-628-2979.
All are welcome to attend!

07/18/2025

07/17/2025

Thank you Smyth County!

At the July 10 Board of Supervisors Meeting, the Board of Supervisors and the Office of the County Administrator were proud to join the Appalachian Independence Center in celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

County Administrator Shawn Utt was excited by this proclamation, due to his prior service on the Statewide Independent Living Council.
Charlie Atkins, Chair of the Board celebrated this anniversary and the progress our Nation and County have made since the introduction of the ADA.

Please join us in celebrating this anniversary!

If you or anyone you know needs assistance, a full list of local resources can be found athttp://www.smythcountydss.org/uploads/2/5/7/3/25730667/resource_guide_august_2017_.pdf

07/16/2025

📌Reminder about the upcoming ADA Basics: Employment training today at 2:00. Its not too late to register! See the attached post for details!

📍Training Opportunity!

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Training - The Basics
July 16, 2:00-3:30pm, ADA Employment
July 30, 2:00-3:30pm, ADA Everything Else

Join us for this basic training in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the ADA. The Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living will facilitate the training. The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center will conduct the training.

The training will be virtual using Zoom. Preregistration is required to participate virtually. Preregister at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ESpPFYcrQzmT5lJ1aTjj3A

After registering, a link will be sent to you for the event. You only need to preregister once. The same registration will give you access to both the July 16 and July 30 training.

Sign language interpreting and captioning will be provided virtually.

For more information, contact Thomasina Byrd: adatraining@transcen.org or 301-217-0124, or 1-800-949-4232.

07/14/2025

SMYTH COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Smyth County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) informed residents through social media Thursday that the Virginia Disaster Assistance Team will visit residents affected…

07/08/2025

🎨✨ Crafting for Connection & Community! ✨🎨

Highlands Community Services and the Virginia Disaster Assistance Team (VDAT) invite you to join us for Crafting Classes every other Friday from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, starting July 11 through September 5 at 208 West Laurel Ave, Damascus, VA.

🧶 Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking to try something new, these classes are all about creativity, connection, and community healing.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, this is a special opportunity to come together for painting, crafting, and fellowship—celebrating our strength, resilience, and recovery as a community. 💪💙

🗓️ When: Every other Friday | Time: 5:00–6:30 PM
📍 Where: 208 West Laurel Ave, Damascus, VA 24236
🎨 Who: Everyone is welcome!

Let’s create something beautiful—together!

07/08/2025

Have special education questions? Suspect that your child has exceptional abilities and may benefit from an IEP or a 504? Now would be a great time to reach out with those questions as you prepare for the upcoming school year!

Come see the PEATC - Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center Family Support Specialist for Region 7 at AIC's Abingdon office once a month!

See the below details for upcoming dates/times!
🌟 Abingdon - July 8th at the Appalachian Independence Center from 11:30 AM until 1 PM. Located at 230 Charwood Dr, Abingdon, VA 24210

How does PEATC help??
🔹They provide direct assistance, in person, on zoom or by phone/email.
🔹They provide training to parents and professionals, online and in person.
🔹They have self paced courses like IEP University and Transition University.
🔹They have over 200 resources on topics related to special education and disability service systems, such as requesting an evaluation for special education, IEP review, preparing for IEP/transition/eligibility meetings and much more!!

Visit https://peatc.org/regional-community-office-hours/ to learn about PEATC office hours near you!

Find your city below and click it for more information. Contact the local Family Support Specialist to schedule an appointment or walk-in for a free and confidential consultation.

07/03/2025

Appalachian Independence Center offices are closed Thursday, July 3 for an all staff meeting & annual cookout and Friday, July 4. Offices will resume regular schedule on Monday, July 7.

We hope everyone has a happy & safe 4th of July weekend! 🇺🇸