Commissioner John R. Vaughn of the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) announced the award of two grants totaling $300,000 for the establishment of two new Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in Virginia. CILs provide a variety of services to persons with disabilities that enhance decision making and independent living skills. Centers also offer peer counseling, referral services, technical assistance and advocacy for full integration and participation of people with disabilities in the community, at work, and at home.

Effective October 1, a $150,000 annual grant will be given to Clinch Independent Living Services, which will serve the Dickenson, Buchanan, Russell and Tazewell counties. The Lynchburg Area Center for Independent Living, which will serve Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell counties, and Lynchburg and Bedford cities will also receive a $150,000 annual grant.

Maureen Hollowell, Chair of the Statewide Independent Living Council stated, "We are excited and proud of the growth in Virginia’s independent movement, which promises full integration of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society".

The Department of Rehabilitative Services administers the funding for CILs and provides technical assistance to each of the 10 non-profit Centers which currently operate in Virginia. With the addition of the two new Centers, CIL locations will include Abingdon, Arlington, Big Stone Gap, Charlottesville, Tazewell, Fredericksburg, Hampton, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke and Winchester.

Commissioner Vaughn stated, "A major strategic goal of DRS is the development of a strong network of community based rehabilitation providers, such as the CILs, to help people with disabilities maximize their potential".

The Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services is the state agency that provides and advocates for the highest quality of services that empower individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and full inclusion into society. Rehabilitative services are delivered to over 25,000 citizens each year through 4 regional offices, 36 field offices and partnerships within the community. In partnership, DRS and the community-based rehabilitation providers offer comprehensive vocational rehabilitation programs and services such as vocational counseling, job training, job placement, assistive technology applications and other specialized services tailored to individual needs, abilities and interests.