About the Nonprofit
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Established in 1976, Disabled Resources Center, Inc. (DRC) is a private, non-profit corporation serving people with all disabilities, regardless of their age, sex, ethnicity, sexual preference, or disability. DRC is Long Beach’s very own Independent Living Center (ILC).
As defined in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 702, an ILC is:
“A consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential private agency that is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provides an array of independent living services.”
Our Mission Statement is:
“To empower people with disabilities to live independently in the community, to make their own decisions about their lives and to advocate on their own behalf."
DRC was born of the Independent Living movement spearheaded by the indomitable Ed Roberts, who established the first ILC in Berkeley, California, in 1972. Now, DRC is one of 28 ILCs located geographically statewide, affiliated with the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). In keeping with its purpose, the staff of DRC and its Board of Directors are primarily persons with disabilities. DRC serves the cities of Artesia, Avalon, Cypress, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, La Palma, Long Beach, Seal Beach and Signal Hill; plus 52 additional ZIP Codes in Los Angeles County and Orange County.
As a California ILC, DRC offers 8 core services, as mandated by DOR: Information and Referral; Individual and Systems Advocacy; Independent Living Skills; Peer Counseling; Transition and Diversion; Personal Assistance Services; Housing Services and Information; and Assistive Technology. Additional services offered include: Assistive Technology Loan Program; Benefits Education; Community Advocacy for Social Change; Community Outreach; Covered CA Information & Assistance Medi-Cal Provider; Disability Disaster Access Resources; Employment Services; Mobility Management Training; Peer Support Services; Social Security Ticket to Work; Toastmasters Gavel Club; Transitional Funding Program; Transitional Youth Program Ages 14-24; Volunteer/Intern Opportunities; and Warm Hands for Wheelchair Users.
