The Independent Living
Resource Center is a public-benefit, nonprofit organization that promotes the
Independent Living (IL) philosophy and its tenets of full
access, equal opportunity, and maximum success and self-sufficiency
for all people with disabilities.
ILRC has four
offices serving the vast tri-counties region, covering San Luis Obispo, Santa
Barbara and Ventura Counties.
Most consumers come
to ILRC when they encounter physical or societal barriers to independent
living.
Barriers to full inclusion for people with disabilities include:
- a lack of accessible, affordable housing or
transportation;
- businesses, employers, landlords, and others who
discriminate against applicants with disabilities;
- a cultural, societal stigma or the perception that a
disability is something to hide or deny--a cause for shame or
embarrassment;
- situations where accommodation for communication needs are not made;
Like all California
independent living centers, ILRC is consumer-driven and consumer-led, meaning
that the majority of its board and staff members have a disability themselves.
Staff uses their collective knowledge, experiences and ideas to support
consumers in their efforts to live as independently as possible.
ILRC trains
consumers in self-advocacy, and in the tools and strategies that make community
living possible. We work to empower individuals to be successful self-advocates and
encourage them to join others in collectively working toward more educated
and equitable communities.
ILRC itself also
advocates for the disability community and leads systems-change efforts to
influence social and public policy, expanding and ensuring full access to the
same places, activities and opportunities that all Californians enjoy.
