Access To Independence
Access to Independence is a 50-year-old nonprofit Center for Independent Living providing free independent living, transition, benefits counseling, and advocacy services to people with disabilities across four branch locations in California and Hawaii, funded by donations and government grants.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1975
- HeadquartersSan Diego, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Access To Independence does
Access to Independence is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living founded in 1975, headquartered in San Diego, California, and operating across four branch locations in California (San Diego, Escondido, Imperial Valley) and Hawaii (Honolulu). The organization delivers free, person-centered services to people with disabilities and older adults, including independent living skills training, benefits options counseling, housing navigation, assistive technology support, advocacy, peer support groups, and transition services from institutional settings to community living. Its programmatic portfolio spans initiatives such as Homeward Bound (institutional-to-community transition), One Step at a Time (youth transition), Seeing Possibilities (vision loss support for adults 55+), Falls Prevention Diversion, My Ballot (accessible voting), Emergency & Resilience Response, and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).
The organization runs no commercial product; its underlying technology is a modest web-based service delivery platform comprising an online resource directory and a monthly newsletter distribution system, augmented by virtual delivery of workshops and support groups. Revenue is not derived from priced services. Instead, Access to Independence is funded through charitable donations (including planned giving and event sponsorships such as the 2025 'Give $50 for 50' campaign), government grants and contracts (notably through partnerships with the California Department of Aging and Area Agencies on Aging), and community support. Customer acquisition is referral-driven, relying on healthcare providers, skilled nursing facilities, AAAs, and direct community inquiries across its four branches and digital channels.
Access To Independence firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Access To Independence
- Legal name
- Access to Independence
- Website
- https://accesstoindependence.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1975
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Access to Independence is a 50-year-old nonprofit Center for Independent Living providing free independent living, transition, benefits counseling, and advocacy services to people with disabilities across four branch locations in California and Hawaii, funded by donations and government grants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Access To Independence industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability and Independent Living Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG), Housing Transition & Supported Living Navigation (EDAKANAK), Specialized Assisted Living for Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities (Adult) (HLADABAJ)
Keywords
Where Access To Independence is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Diego
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Access To Independence business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization raises funds through online donations, planned giving (bequests and estate gifts), and event sponsorships. A 50th anniversary campaign 'Give $50 for 50' was launched to fund direct services.
- Government Grants and Contracts: Funding through partnerships with government agencies including Area Agencies on Aging, California Department of Aging, and Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) programs.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Access To Independence product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Access to Independence is a nonprofit Center for Independent Living that provides free, person-centered services to people with disabilities and older adults, including independent living skills training, benefits counseling, housing navigation, assistive technology, peer support, advocacy, and institutional-to-community transition programs. Services are delivered through four branch locations across California and Hawaii and supported by an online resource directory and ADRC partnership.
Product overview
Access To Independence offers a comprehensive suite of person-centered programs and services for individuals with disabilities and older adults. The core portfolio includes the Homeward Bound Transition Initiative for institutional-to-community transitions, the One Step at a Time Youth Transition Initiative for young adults, the Seeing Possibilities Initiative for adults 55+ with vision loss, Falls Prevention Diversion, My Ballot Initiative for accessible voting, Benefits Options Counseling for public benefits navigation, Emergency & Resilience Response, and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) as a single point of entry to long-term services. These programs are complemented by advocacy services, support groups, and a resource directory. The organization operates across four locations in San Diego, Escondido, Imperial Valley, and Honolulu, California, providing community-based support rather than a technology product.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ADRC (Aging & Disability Resource Center): Aging and Disability Resource Center serving Imperial Valley in collaboration with Imperial County's Area Agency on Aging.
Products and services
- Homeward Bound Transition Initiative A person-centered program supporting individuals transitioning from institutional or skilled nursing settings into community living, offering safe transition assessments, customized home modifications, project coordination, and assistive technology integration. Intended for people with disabilities leaving institutional care.
- One Step at a Time Youth Transition Initiative A resource for teens and young adults with disabilities to build independent living skills, explore employment and education opportunities, and navigate the transition from school into adult life.
- Seeing Possibilities Initiative Supports adults age 55 and older experiencing vision loss or blindness through personalized support, independent living skills training, and adaptive equipment resources to maintain independence and community connection.
- Falls Prevention Diversion Initiative Program designed to prevent falls and diversion from institutionalization for individuals with disabilities and older adults.
- My Ballot Initiative Supports disabled voters through registration assistance, securing voting accommodations, and helping individuals cast ballots with confidence and independence to ensure accessible civic participation.
- Benefits Options Counseling Program Provides one-on-one counseling to help individuals understand and apply for public benefits including Social Security, CalFresh, housing assistance, and utility support, with assistance navigating applications, appeals, and ongoing eligibility.
- Emergency & Resilience Response Program Provides emergency support and resilience resources for individuals with disabilities during disasters and crisis situations.
- Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) A single point of entry into the Long-Term Services and Supports system offering free information, options counseling, service coordination, and transition and diversion support for older adults and individuals with disabilities regardless of income.
- Advocacy and Events Legislative advocacy campaigns, community awareness events, and storytelling initiatives to protect and enhance disability rights and promote inclusion.
- Support Groups Peer support groups, caregiver support groups, and skill development groups providing connection, shared experiences, and resources for employment, independent living, and advocacy.
- Resource Directory Online directory connecting community members with vetted resources, events, and research opportunities promoting independence and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Quantifiable outcome
- Transition from institutional settings to independent community living
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Access To Independence
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Access To Independence technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Access To Independence partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Area Agency on AgingcoreKey strategic partner for planning and delivering services to older adults. The Area Agency on Aging works with Access to Independence to carry out Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) programs.
- California Department of Aging (CDA)coreState agency partner providing funding and oversight for aging and disability programs including ADRC initiatives and alignment with the Master Plan for Aging.
- Imperial County Area Agency on AgingcoreCollaborative partnership to launch the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) in Imperial Valley, providing a single point of entry into the long-term services and supports system.
- California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC)coreStatewide membership association representing Independent Living Centers. Access to Independence works within this network to strengthen disability services across California.
- County of ImperialminorLocal government partner supporting disability and aging services in Imperial County.
- Blue Shield PromiseminorHealthcare partner collaborating on community health initiatives.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Access To Independence competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- The Arc of San Diego: San Diego-based chapter of The Arc serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through residential, employment, and day programs. Overlaps with A2i's disability population in the same San Diego geography but focuses on IDD specifically.
- Lighthouse Guild: National nonprofit serving people with vision loss through rehabilitation, behavioral health, and independent living services. Directly comparable to A2i's Seeing Possibilities Initiative but operates primarily in New York.
Direct peers
- Marin Center for Independent Living: Bay Area CIL offering independent living services, benefits counseling, youth transition, and ADRC-aligned programming. Structurally identical peer serving California residents with disabilities.
- Resources for Independent Living (RIL): Sacramento-based CIL providing independent living, advocacy, assistive technology, and benefits counseling. Directly comparable program portfolio and California CIL funding model.
- FREED Center for Independent Living: California-based Center for Independent Living serving Nevada, Yuba, Sutter, and surrounding counties. Directly comparable as a CIL providing independent living, transition, advocacy, and benefits counseling services to people with disabilities.
- Westside Center for Independent Living: Los Angeles CIL offering independent living services, youth transition, and benefits counseling. Comparable CIL peer with overlap in metropolitan California markets.
- Ability Now Bay Area: Oakland-based CIL providing independent living skills, advocacy, and transition services for adults with disabilities in the Bay Area. Operates the same CIL model with similar funding mix of grants and donations.
Others
- California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC): Statewide membership association of California CILs including Access to Independence. Functions as a peer network and trade association rather than direct competitor, but shares the same disability-services mission and policy advocacy.
Broad incumbents
- National Council on Aging (NCOA): National advocacy and service organization for older adults, including falls prevention and benefits navigation programs that overlap with A2i's Seeing Possibilities and Falls Prevention initiatives. Operates at much broader scale.
- Easterseals Southern California: Large, established disability services nonprofit operating across Southern California with broader scope including autism services, employment, and adult day programs. Comparable mission and overlapping disability population but significantly larger scale and broader service portfolio.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Access To Independence social profiles
Digital presenceAccess To Independence financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Access To Independence leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Access To Independence funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Access To Independence M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Access To Independence
What does Access To Independence do?
Access to Independence is a nonprofit Center for Independent Living that provides free, person-centered services to people with disabilities and older adults, including independent living skills training, benefits counseling, housing navigation, assistive technology, peer support, advocacy, and institutional-to-community transition programs. Services are delivered through four branch locations across California and Hawaii and supported by an online resource directory and ADRC partnership.
Is Access To Independence a public or private company?
Access To Independence is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Access To Independence founded?
Access To Independence was founded in 1975. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Access To Independence based?
Access To Independence is headquartered in San Diego, United States, in the North America region.
How does Access To Independence make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are government Grants and Contracts.
Who are Access To Independence's main competitors?
Regional players on record are The Arc of San Diego and Lighthouse Guild. Direct peers are Marin Center for Independent Living, Resources for Independent Living (RIL), FREED Center for Independent Living, Westside Center for Independent Living and Ability Now Bay Area. California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are National Council on Aging (NCOA) and Easterseals Southern California.
Does Access To Independence have an API?
No public API is recorded for Access To Independence.
What industry is Access To Independence in?
Access To Independence's product category is Disability and Independent Living Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGACAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support, with a secondary code of BPAGAEAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support. Its NAICS code is 62412 and its SIC code is 8300.