Hi, I'm Jo Black and I'm in my 23rd year as Executive Director of the Independent Living Resource Center, serving the Central California with offices in Ventura,

Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Atascadero.

Each person who calls or visits one of the ILRC offices has his or her own reason for seeking individual support. Some people are interested in assistive technology; others would like information and referrals for accessible housing, education or public transit; yet others are looking for an advocate who knows the ins and outs of SSI, SSDI, Medi-Cal and other benefit programs.

But that's only a part of what we do. There's also the "bigger picture" of disability rights and systems change. We continue to work in the community to remove barriers, promote access, and create systems change so that someday all people with disabilities will be treated with equality, humanity and dignity.

Of course, part of access to services is an online presence. I hope you find our website informative and helpful, easy to navigate, and maybe even educational and motivational.

It's our goal to support you in your independent-living efforts so that you ultimately have no unmet needs. Let us know how we're doing, when you have a chance. We are always working to improve the delivery of our services and to ensure that the disability community survives and thrives.

- Jo Black