On Thursday, November 3, Independent Living Resources of Greater Birmingham will celebrate an important milestone. Independent Living Resources of Greater Birmingham will break ground for its new home at 6th Avenue North and 15th Street North, across from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. “Exemplifying the organization’s mission to promote principles of full and equal-access, this new building will proudly serve as the most recent addition to Birmingham’s historic Civil Rights Trail,” notes Board President Graham Sisson.
Since its founding in 1980, Independent Living Resources of Greater Birmingham, a United Way agency, has tirelessly advocated for the rights and independence of people with disabilities. “We are excited to see the growth that this project represents; Independent Living Resources is a leading disability service agency,” said Drew Langloh, President & CEO, United Way of Central Alabama.
The agency annually provides over 2,000 individuals with independent living services such as advocacy, peer support, independent living skills training, information and referral, home modifications, nursing home transition, employment counseling, computer training, work incentives, and referrals to community resources.
In an effort to increase visibility of the fight for disability rights, Independent Living Resources of Greater Birmingham partnered with the city of Birmingham through a redevelopment agreement to purchase the property. “The redevelopment of this property advances the City’s commitment to revitalize Northwest Downtown Birmingham, converting a blighted property into a destination for citizens and visitors alike”, according to Tracey Morant Adams, Director of the Mayor’s Office on Economic Development.
This one-of-a-kind facility will provide the agency’s growing staff with increased office space as well as an innovative exhibit space highlighting disability-rights movement and leaders. According Architect Tammy Cohen, “With its inviting canopy and DNA-inspired brick pattern, Independent Living Resources of Greater Birmingham unites modern aesthetics with tranquil interiors and universal design.”
The ground breaking ceremony not only marks the spot where the agency will continue to “build on the power and hope of freedom,” but, according to Birmingham Mayor William Bell, “It also symbolizes a groundbreaking achievement in Birmingham’s fight for disability rights; it represents a new beginning for the city of Birmingham, a city in which we are one step closer to realizing the long-awaited dream of a just and equal-opportunity society for persons with disabilities.”
The ceremony will take place at 11:00 AM and will feature speeches from Birmingham Mayor William Bell, Drew Langloh, President and CEO of the United Way of Central Alabama, and Graham Sisson, President of the Board and others. A reception will follow at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
