Independent Living Resource Center, INC. - Santa Barbara, Atascadero, Santa Maria, Ventura, Concord, Antioch, Fairfield, CA

ILRC has four offices serving the vast tri-counties region, covering San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

Most consumers come to ILRC when they encounter physical or societal barriers to independent living.

Barriers to full inclusion for people with disabilities include:

• a lack of accessible, affordable housing or transportation;

• businesses, employers, landlords, and others who discriminate against applicants with disabilities;

• a cultural, societal stigma or the perception that a disability is something to hide or deny--a cause for shame or embarrassment;

• situations where accommodation for communication needs are not made;

Like all California independent living centers, ILRC is consumer-driven and consumer-led, meaning that the majority of its board and staff members have a disability themselves. Staff uses their collective knowledge, experiences and ideas to support consumers in their efforts to live as independently as possible.

ILRC trains consumers in self-advocacy, and in the tools and strategies that make community living possible. We work to empower individuals to be successful self-advocates and encourage them to join others in collectively working toward  more educated and equitable communities.

ILRC itself also advocates for the disability community and leads systems-change efforts to influence social and public policy, expanding and ensuring full access to the same places, activities and opportunities that all Californians enjoy.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Independent Living Resource Center, Inc. (ILRC) is to promote independent living and full access for individuals with disabilities through advocacy, education and action in our communities.