independent-living

About The Independence Center

Who We Are

The Independence Center is the local home of civil rights for people with disabilities. Working with individuals, their families, and the community, we create independence so that all may thrive. We are not an assisted living center; instead, our organization provides information, resources, and support to help people with disabilities live, learn, work, play, and participate in civic life as equals. Our mission is driven by our five core values, illustrated below, which guide how our staff interacts with each other and those we serve.

Graphic image of two arrows intersecting with the word Adaptability
Graphic icon showing two hands shaking and the word Collaboration
Image of hands with word inclusiveness
Drawing of a shield and the word integrity
Simple drawing of person with the words person first

Who We Serve

Our services and programs are available to anyone in our service area who self-identifies as having a disability. This includes those with a cognitive, physical, or mental health disability, who have blindness or low vision, or who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Deaf Blind. Click on the logos below to learn more.

Cognative full
Physical_full
Mental Health Icon
Blindness & Low Vision Logo
D&HOH_full

What We Do

The Independence Center serves people with disabilities through four distinct programs, including Home Health, our Center for Independent Living, our Advocacy division, and our Veteran in Charge program. Click on the logos below to learn more.

Home Health Icon
Independent Living Icon
Advocacy Icon
Veteran In Charge Program Icon

Where We Are

In addition to our home office located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, many of our services are available in counties in the surrounding area. Click to enlarge the map and see a fully accessible list of the services we provide in each county.

Visual map of The IC's service areas.


Original IC

1987

The IC is founded by people with disabilities who saw a need for home health services in the community.

The Independence Center

1994

The IC is designated as one of nine Centers for Independent Living (CIL) in Colorado. The same year, our Advocacy division is created, encompassing self-advocacy, community organizing, and legislative efforts.

Military Service-member with his dog

2016

The Veteran in Charge (VIC) program is added to provide home and community based services that enable Veterans to continue living in their homes for as long as possible.

H2H Program Image

2018

The IC launches the Hospital to Home (H2H) program, which helps individuals with disabilities to transition safely from the hospital back into their homes and communities.


GuideStar Seal of Transparency

GuideStar Seal of Transparency

The Platinum GuideStar Seal of Transparency demonstrates that a non-profit has provided as much information as possible, so potential donors can have the information they need when making decisions on philanthropic giving.


Better Business Bureau Accreditation

The Independence Center BBB Business Review

The Independence Center is a Better Business Bureau accredited nonprofit organization that has met all 20 standards for Charity Accountability.