OPTIONS for Independence (OPTIONS) is a nonresidential Independent Living Center where people with disabilities can learn skills to gain more control and independence over their lives.
Mission Statement
The mission of OPTIONS for Independence is to provide services to individuals with disabilities to facilitate their full participation in the community and raise the understanding of disability issues and access to the community.
Philosophy
Independent Living means an individual makes his or her own life decisions and has control over his or her life. While being able to care for oneself and living on ones own may be elements of independent living for some people, Independent Living is not defined strictly in the terms of physical self sufficiency or living situation. The main element is that the person (not the family, friends, or professionals) exercises control and makes choices that involve responsibility and perhaps risk.
History
OPTIONS (formerly Cache Handicap Action Council) was founded in 1982 as a total volunteer organization. It consisted of people with disabilities and their friends who carried out activities to enlighten the community concerning disability, to encourage communities to become more accessible and to raise money for accessibility projects in the communities.
With its first small contract in 1988, OPTIONS became a bona fide Center for Independent Living and began to engage in the basic independent living services.