The IRC Staff and Board of Directors are dedicated to the twin principles of consumer-control and community-based services, offering both individual services to consumers and broader systemic services to the community. These services include: peer counseling, independent living skills training, advocacy, technical assistance and adaptive equipment, specialists on the Americans with Disabilities Act and its requirements, transportation and housing assistance, and a wide range of other services specifically tailored to consumers with disabilities.
IRC’s primary service area includes the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Fluvanna County, Nelson County, Louisa County, and Greene County. The center’s secondary service area includes Orange County, Madison County, Buckingham County, Prince Edward County, Charlotte County, Halifax County, Mecklenburg County, Brunswick County, and Lunenburg County.
General Services
Information and referral
IRC provides information on accessibility, adaptive equipment, education, financial assistance, housing, recreation, transportation, and community services.
Cardinals wheelchair basketball team
IRC is a proud sponsor of the Charlottesville Cardinals wheelchair basketball team which provides competitive recreation for disabled athletes and also does numerous community education presentations each year.
Independence rehab discounters
Independence Rehab Discounters is a private, non-profit corporation which provides adaptive equipment to consumers at extremely discounted prices.
Direct Consumer Services
Peer counseling
Consumers with disabilities work with counselors who have disabilities to develop strategies for improving their independence.
Adaptive living + technical assistance
Assistance with resources to provide equipment and services to adapt the environment for specific disabilities.
Independent living skills training
Assistance with learning adaptive techniques for everyday living.
Youth transition program
IRC works cooperatively with local middle and high schools to provide students with disabilities counseling and skills training to prepare them for life after graduation.
Community Services
Systems advocacy
IRC advocates strive to ensure that all applicable laws affecting accessibility are enforced and that all pertinent regulations are applied. IRC assist consumers in understanding and exercising their civil rights regarding employment, housing, transportation, recreation, family, and lifestyle.
Community education
IRC constantly engages in efforts to educate the broader community concerning the abilities and rights of people with disabilities. Presentations, seminars, and training sessions are all utilized.
Sign language classes
IRC sponsors a year-round sign language instruction program. American Sign Language instruction is offered at the beginning, advanced beginning, intermediate levels, study skills, and conversational. Sign Language classes are canceled, until further notice.
Braille services
Personal, public, and business documents can be brailled at IRC. Documents presented on diskette can usually be produced very quickly.
Housing services
IRC also assists in identifying and developing accessible housing.