The Independence Center is a local nonprofit organization that provides traditional and self-directed home health care, independent living, and advocacy services for people with disabilities. These services range from providing peer support, skills classes, and employment assistance to individuals and advocacy to affect change within and outside the disabilities system. The IC’s mission is to work with people with disabilities, their families, and the community to create independence so all may thrive. The IC’s Mission: Working with people with disabilities, their families and the community, we create independence so that all may thrive. The IC’s Vision: The Independence Center is the local home of civil rights for people with disabilities. We support and promote these civil rights throughout our service area which includes El Paso, Cheyenne, Kit Carson, Lincoln, Park and Teller counties. As role models, we sit, stand, or lie at the point where people with disabilities decide whether to create the life they desire or give in and resign themselves to society’s reduced expectations. Our staff, programs, and even our building demonstrate that people with disabilities can live, learn, work, play, and participate in civic life as equals. Center staff embody a wide range of visible and hidden disabilities, modeling empowerment for those they serve. They work with individuals and the community to identify and remove barriers that prevent or hinder people with disabilities from living in the community and participating in community life. Our programs are designed to provide information, support, and encouragement to people with disabilities.