History:
Access 2 Independence has been in the eastern Iowa community for over 35 years. Formed in 1979, from the former Evert Connor Rights and Resources Center. Access 2 Independence is one of six organizations throughout Iowa recognized as a Center for Independent Living. To be recognized as a CIL, an organization must:
- be a not-for-profit, community based, non residential organization;
- have a strong emphasis on consumer-controlled principles;
- regularly conduct barrier removal, systems advocacy, and social change activities;
- provide “core” services to individuals with a variety of disabling conditions, including advocacy, information and referral, peer counseling, and independent living skills training.
Access 2 Independence empowers individuals with disabilities to advocate for themselves in order to achieve greater independence and integrated community participation. In addition, Access 2 Independence connects individuals with direct services to help individuals obtain the skills and supports they choose, in order to accomplish their self-determined goals.
