Resources
Quick links
- Rent Relief for Disabled
- Tax Relief for Disabled
- Local Paratransit Services
- Fair Housing Advocacy
- Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
- Virginia Relay
- Charlottesville Therapeutic Recreation Services
- Region 10 Mental Health Services
- VA Disability Determination Services (SSI/SSDI)
- THE VISITABLE CERTIFICATION
- Cerebral Palsy Guide
Sign language classes
IRC offers fun and informative Beginning, Advanced Beginning, and Intermediate Sign Language Classes. We offer fall, winter, spring, and summer sessions. Due to the pandemic, our classes are being held via Zoom only.
Adaptive equipment
See what adaptive equipment (power chairs, manual wheelchairs, etc.) is currently available. If we don't have what you need, we also accept requests.
The VisitAble Database
The Visitable Database actively helps locations become more mobility-friendly, advertises companies who are leading the way in accessibility, and provides an easy way for those with mobility issues to explore accessibility!
Featured articles
The ADA was born in Virginia efforts for Accessibility
Kathryn A. Hayfield column: Americans with Disabilities Act born of Virginia's struggle for equality
IRC announcements
Sign Language Classes–Spring Session 2022
All Classes will be conducted virtually through Zoom: Advanced Beginner's Class 2 Start Date: Thursday, April 14, 2022, 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm End Date: June 30, 2022 There is a sliding scale of $50-$75 per 12-week session. You can mail a check to the IRC to reserve a slot in an upcoming session. Make sure to include your name, email address, and phone number. Mail checks to: Sign Language, IRC, 815 Cherry Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903. For more information contact Sarah Barker, 434-975-3825, jsdssam@gmail.com
IRC office hours from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm due to rise in COVID cases
The offices of the Independence Resource Center will be continue to be open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for office hours due to a surge in COVID cases in the area. Please contact IRC at info@charlottesvilleirc.org if you need to contact staff. We are experiencing technical problems with our phone message system. Thank you for your patience.
Local news
Piedmont Health District Offers Free COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Charlotte County Farmers Market
DRAKES BRANCH, Va. – The Piedmont Health District will offer a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic this Friday, May 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Charlotte County Farmers Market, located at 4900 Drakes Main St. in Drakes Branch.
The clinic will offer first, second, additional primary and booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to the public. The clinic will be held outside, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Read More
Email Ballots with Screen Reader Technology Available to Charlottesville Absentee Voters with Disabilities
News
FDA authorizes second booster shot for people age 50 and up
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the green light on Tuesday to a second coronavirus vaccine booster shot for people aged 50 and older in an effort to ward off another potential spike in infections due to a subvariant of omicron. Read More
Federal Judge rules in favor of parents in mask lawsuit
Virginia state officials will not be allowed to prevent or limit 10 school divisions from considering mask requirements as an accommodation for some students with disabilities, under a federal injunction. Read More
Department of Transportation to Hold Public Meeting on Air Travel by Persons Who Use Wheelchairs
VIRTUAL MEETING REGARDING AIR TRAVEL
Parents of disabled students sue Virginia Governor
DOJ settles discrimination claims against 19 business owners
DOJ makes moves to assure access in DC, Maryland, and Virginia businesses.
Additional Protections for Workers with Disabilities in Virginia
The Safety Net Program Congress Forgot
Due to the neglect of the SSI program and other programs which were meant to support the disabled population, millions of people have been forced to live in abject poverty within the richest nation in the world. They must live on outdated and below poverty level checks from the government. But if they try to supplement their menial incomes, they are penalized for the effort.
ADA scores a win during COVID-19!