Appalachian Independence Center

04/21/2026

🌻Applications are open for AIC's Accessible Gardening Program

Program Includes:
🌱Raised container garden box
🌱Soil and starter plants
🌱Adaptive gardening tools if needed
🌱Instruction and encouragement for taking care of your new plants!

Past participants are also eligible to receive starter plants for their gardens!

☎️If you are interested, contact your ILA or call our Abingdon office at 276-628-2979 to apply and see if you qualify for the 2026 program!

📆Last day to apply is 5-4-26

Benefits of Gardening:
🌷Gardening reduces stress!
🌷It is good for your heart!
🌷Can improve your hand strength!
🌷Growing your own food can help you eat healthier!
🌷It can help build your self-esteem!
🌷It can give you a boost of Vitamin D!

04/20/2026

Thinking about working but unsure how it might affect Social Security disability benefits?

Choose Work! – the official account of the Social Security Administration Ticket to Work Program – is hosting a free WISE webinar on April 22 at 3 p.m. ET that breaks down the three biggest myths about disability benefits and work.

Register here: https://choosework.ssa.gov/wise/

Help get the word out — someone in your community may need this!

04/14/2026

03/17/2026

AIC offices will be opening Tuesday, March 17 at 10 am due to inclement weather ❄️🍀

03/16/2026

Federal Benefits Training will be on Wednesday, March 18 at 1:00pm until 3:00pm at ECI. Join us for an informative training on federal benefit programs, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP. Learn about recent updates and policy changes. This training will be held in-person and via Zoom. To register, visit https://endependence.org/zoom.

03/10/2026

Appalachian Independence Center is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Greg Morrell Education Award!

Greg was AIC's executive director for over 25 years and dedicated his life's work to breaking down barriers. Greg strove to assist people with disabilities in living productive and independent lives in the pursuit of full participation in their communities.

The Greg Morrell Educational award for 2026 will be in the amount of $500. The scholarship is open to graduating seniors with any type of a disability who are college or community college bound, or are pursuing an advanced technology or other skills training program in pursuit of a certificate and who reside in AIC's service area. Our service area includes: City of Bristol, VA, Washington County, Smyth County, Wythe County, Bland County, Carroll County, Grayson County, & the City of Galax, VA.

Applications are due by Friday, April 24. Student(s) will be notified of their selection for the award no later than May 4.

Applications can be completed online at this link: https://forms.gle/fCXNZ6FFm6Toub88A

02/16/2026

AIC offices are closed Monday, February 16, 2026 in observance of President’s Day. 🇺🇸

02/13/2026

02/10/2026

Today! Sharing a reminder, its not too late to register!

🏠 Virtual Fair Housing Training 🏠
Everyone deserves access to safe, fair, and inclusive housing. Join us for a virtual Fair Housing Training led by Brenda Castañeda from Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) to learn about fair housing rights and how to support equal access—especially for individuals with disabilities.
📅 Tuesday, February 10th
⏰ 1:00 PM
📍 Zoom (Virtual)
📝 Registration Required
Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../register/HUmsyx5tRxmwxKsnzn9KLA
This training is facilitated by the Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living (VACIL).

🏠 Virtual Fair Housing Training 🏠

Everyone deserves access to safe, fair, and inclusive housing. Join us for a virtual Fair Housing Training led by Brenda Castañeda from Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) to learn about fair housing rights and how to support equal access—especially for individuals with disabilities.

📅 Tuesday, February 10th
⏰ 1:00 PM
📍 Zoom (Virtual)
📝 Registration Required

Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/HUmsyx5tRxmwxKsnzn9KLA

This training is facilitated by the Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living (VACIL).

02/06/2026

We’re excited to invite you to Opening Doors: Disability Waivers Made Simple! This workshop will be held on March 5th from 5:30–7:00 PM at the Washington County Public Library in collaboration with Highlands Community Services and will provide families with clear, helpful information about disab...

02/05/2026

All AIC offices are closed today, February 5, due to inclement weatherer. Staff will be working and available remotely.