Disability is a Source of Strength.
We Build on it.
The Center for Disability Empowerment provides free, consumer-directed Independent Living services — led by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities. Every service. Every age. Every disability type.
5
Core services, all free
4
Counties served
Any
Age · any disability
100%
Disability-led org
Information & Referral
Your front door to housing, transit, benefits, and community resources — no runaround.
Free · No Waitlist
🛠️ IL Skills Training
One-on-one coaching for budgeting, cooking, community navigation, and daily living.
Your goals, your pace
Peer Support
Connect with trained peer specialists who share lived disability experience. Now online too.
In-person + Virtual
⚖️ Advocacy
Individual rights protection and systems-level changemaking. You don't have to accept barriers.
Individual + Systemic
🌉 Transition Services
Personalized support for nursing home-to-community and school-to-adult life transitions.
Youth 14–24 · Adults
"Nothing About Us, Without Us" is not just a slogan — it is the only way we operate.
— Kristina "KK" Kapp, Executive Director · The Center for Disability Empowerment