We offer assistance to individuals with disabilities in working toward self-identified independent living goals who live in Lancaster and Lebanon.
The Disability Empowerment Center (DEC) is the Center for Independent Living (CIL) for people with diverse disabilities in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. Read more about the history of the Centers for Independent Living, by clicking here. Established in 2002, DEC is a private, nonprofit, nonresidential organization run by and for people with disabilities. We dedicate our efforts to attaining equa
l opportunity and full participation of people with diverse disabilities in all aspects of life in our community. Through all of our individual and collective efforts, we work to eliminate barriers, ensure access, protect civil rights, and affect positive social change. DEC provides free and confidential services that prioritize self-determination, consumer control and personal choice to individuals of all ages, and with all types of disabilities. DEC was founded as an outreach office to the Center for Independent Opportunities, located in York, Pennsylvania. In 2007, DEC became an autonomous center for Independent Living which services Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. The Disability Empowerment Center (DEC) is a registered not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) Independent Living council organization, funded under federal contract with the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the United States Department of Education under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
07/20/2025
Come support the 14th Annual March for the Fallen!
📅 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
📍 Location: Fort Indiantown Gap
🌧️ Rain or Shine
Choose your challenge:
🏃♂️ 5K Run/Walk
🚶♀️ 14-Mile and 28-Mile Light or Heavy March
🚴♂️ 28-Mile Hand Cycle
🌐 Virtual Participation
Register now: runsignup.com
Order your T-shirts by Sunday, August 27 at 11:59 PM: totalidentitysolutions.chipply.com
Let's come together to honor and remember. 💙
07/15/2025
Nothing is changing about Medicaid right now. Any changes resulting from the budget reconciliation bill passed on July 4th will happen over time. You can still apply for Medicaid, renew your coverage, and access healthcare as usual. Be sure to update your contact info with the County Assistance Office to ensure you get important updates and renewal paperwork.
Read more about how to update your information with Medicaid here: http://bit.ly/4nJAE8x
07/14/2025
Through our ChildProtect Program, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health is proud to offer free vaccines to children 0-18 years of age who do not have health insurance or have Medical Assistance (Medicaid).
On Monday, July 21, our team will hold a clinic at Family Medicine Susquehanna in Marietta where vaccines to protect against chicken pox, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, Hib, Hepatitis A + B, HPV, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, pneumococcal disease, polio, and rotavirus will be available.
Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend signing up at 717-544-3811.
07/13/2025
For individuals with disabilities, the road to becoming an independent adult can be challenging. A new film finds one man on the cusp of this transition seeking advice from notable disability activists.
07/10/2025
In today's Circle of Peers, they made vision boards! 🌟 What goals are you dreaming about?
07/04/2025
In observance of the Fourth of July, DEC offices will be closed. We will reopen on Monday at 8:30 am.
06/27/2025
Thank you to Mike and the Ambassador dog Adams from Canine Partners for Life for visiting DEC for this month's staff meeting and talking to us about the multitude of tasks that the dogs that they raise and train to become service and companion dogs for people with physical, developmental, and/or cognitive disabilities. Visit their website https://k94life.org/ for more information.
06/26/2025
The consumers in Lancaster gathered this month for a potluck and game day. It was too hot outside, so we brought the celebration inside. Everyone who participated brought a dish to share, and we had a great time playing co****le. Contact Morgan today if you'd like to join in the fun!!
06/26/2025
Free our people now!
U.S. Capitol Police officers arrested 34 people Wednesday who were demonstrating against Congress’ proposed cuts to Medicaid inside a Senate office building. Advocates and people who depend on Medicaid for their health care coverage — including several people in wheelchairs — traveled from as ...
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The Disability Empowerment Center (DEC) is the Center for Independent Living (CIL) for people with diverse disabilities in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties.
Read more about the history of the Centers for Independent Living, by clicking here.
Established in 2002, DEC is a private, nonprofit, nonresidential organization run by and for people with disabilities. We dedicate our efforts to attaining equal opportunity and full participation of people with diverse disabilities in all aspects of life in our community.
Through all of our individual and collective efforts, we work to eliminate barriers, ensure access, protect civil rights, and affect positive social change.
DEC provides free and confidential services that prioritize self-determination, consumer control and personal choice to individuals of all ages, and with all types of disabilities.
DEC was founded as an outreach office to the Center for Independent Opportunities, located in York, Pennsylvania. In 2007, DEC became an autonomous center for Independent Living which services Lancaster and Lebanon Counties.
The Disability Empowerment Center (DEC) is a registered not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) Independent Living council organization, funded under federal contract with the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the United States Department of Education under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
