Appalachian Independence Center

09/01/2026

📣Community Wellness Day!

Join Appalachian Independence Center on Monday, October 5 from 11:00-3:00 at the SWVA Higher Education Center to explore Pathways to Possibilities: A Disability Awareness Event. AIC along with Emory & Henry School of Health Sciences are bringing an immersive experience where participants will have the opportunity to navigate an accessibility course. This hands-on activity will help build your awareness and insight by exposing you to real-world architectural barriers while highlighting the importance of accessibility and universal design.

We will be joined by other organizations including DBVI, Brain Injury Solutions, District Three Senior Services, Mountain Lynx Transit, and more to share information about their services while also providing additional awareness activities. Emory & Henry School of Health Sciences Physical Therapy Department Students will be providing balance assessments, fall risk information & education as well as helping participants navigate the course.

Inside the SWVA Higher Education Center, explore the Healthy Aging Fair which will feature educational workshops, more community resources, and health screenings.

Join AIC at 1:30 inside for a workshop highlighting Access in our Homes, Communities, Healthcare and at Work.

Visit swcenter.edu/wellnessday for more details and information! Hope to see you there!

08/28/2026

08/12/2026

Recent Justice Department actions have threatened to undermine disabled people’s rights under foundational disability civil rights laws. AAPD and our partners are hosting a webinar on Wednesday, August 19, to help you navigate these threats and protect your rights.

Speakers will address the importance of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision and the rights that disabled people have under the ADA and Section 504 to live in their own homes and communities, discuss how recent threats may affect these rights, and teach you what you can do to protect them.

The integration mandate of the ADA and Section 504 is one of the most fundamental rights that disabled people have, and it is critical that we take collective action to preserve it. Please join us on Wednesday, August 19th, from 4 PM - 5:15 PM ET to learn how.

You’ll receive updates and resources from policy leaders fighting for our rights – Maria Town, President and CEO of American Association of People with Disabilities, Jennifer Mathis, Deputy Director of The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Cathy Costanzo, Executive Director of the Center for Public Representation, and Alison Barkoff, Hirsh Health Law & Policy Associate Professor and Hirsh Program Director at GW Milken Institute School of Public Health

ASL and CART will be provided. Please contact [email protected] to request any other accommodations, and be sure to register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xHzUA2CBQAOLx8vh7H7c6Q

Image Description: A royal blue graphic has a black-and-white photo on the right of a protest sign that says “Our Homes NOT Nursing Homes” and text that conveys the same information as the caption. The logos for the co-presenting organizations are featured.

08/04/2026

Don't worry about the clock—just get in line! 🗳️⏰

Polls are open across Virginia from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM today. Remember: as long as you are in line by 7:00 PM, you have the right to cast your ballot. Polling places will stay open until every voice in line is heard!

Find your polling place: vote.virginia.gov

07/16/2026

The countdown is on for our celebration of the anniversaries of the Virginians with Disabilities Act (VDA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! 🇺🇸

Join us as we honor the advocates, leaders, and community members whose efforts have helped build a more accessible and inclusive Virginia. Together, we'll reflect on how far we've come, hear inspiring stories, and look ahead to the work that continues.

📆Thursday, July 30, 2026
📍AIC's office located at 230 Charwood Dr. Abingdon, VA
⏰1:00 Screening of "Change not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act."
⏰2:30 Virtual statewide celebration presented by DARS and VACIL
🍰Light refreshments will be available

➡️Can't attend in person? A virtual option is available!
✅Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/2qNQTEEDRQ

Screen "Change not Charity: The American's with Disabilities Act" at your leisure directly from PBS here: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/change-not-charity-americans-disabilities-act/

We'd love to see you there!

07/02/2026

AIC offices will be closed Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day.

Have a Happy July 4th weekend and stay cool!

06/29/2026

📣AIC's Wytheville office will be closed the week of June 29-July 3 to move to our new location in the heart of Downtown Wytheville!

📍Our new address is: 180 W. Main St. Suite 8 Wytheville, VA 24382.

☎️All contact information will remain the same, however, phone lines will be down for the Wytheville office early this week. Should you need to reach us, please contact AIC's main office at 276-628-2979.

06/23/2026

Navigating state disability services can feel overwhelming, but understanding available benefits is a vital piece of planning for a successful future.

Join us on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM ET for a webcast on "Medicaid Waivers in Virginia."

Presented by Megan Reynolds (CTI) and Kendra Wormley (PEATC), this session will demystify Virginia’s waiver system, clarify eligibility criteria, and provide step-by-step guidance on how to obtain essential state benefits like personal assistance and community support.

Whether you are a family member, advocate, or transition professional, this brief webinar will give you the practical knowledge needed to navigate the process with confidence. Register today! (link in comments)