Independence Association

Independence Association assists adults and children with disabilities to obtain a full and inclusive life in their chosen community.

Description:
Independence Association creates new opportunities and opens the door for adults and children with developmental disabilities to fully participate in our mid-coast community. The Association currently serves the communities of Brunswick, Topsham, Bath, Harpswell, Freeport, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Richmond, and other cities and towns within a 35-mile radius.
This nonprofit organization comprises 25 programs, including 14 adult residences, adult day programs, in-home supports, case management, an array of employment supports and class offerings, as well as the unique and nationally-renowned Spindleworks arts program and gallery. The agency also acts as an advocate for individuals so that they can achieve recognition and acceptance.
None of this work would be possible without the Association’s many partnerships with area businesses, community organizations, committed citizens and volunteers.
We invite everyone to discover who we are, celebrate what we’ve achieved, and join us in our commitment to supporting a vibrant, collaborative and inclusive community with area businesses.

History:
In the 1960s a group of parents created the association to, in the words of founder Charlie Payne, “do what was right for our children.” That continues to influence the core philosophy of Independence Association: the belief that persons with disabilities - - when given opportunities for individual choice, appropriate supports and community involvement - - can have full, rewarding lives as workers, students, artists, citizens, friends and neighbors.
Now, in addition to support for individuals with mental retardation, the agency increasingly assists individuals with other disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, and mental illness.

Contact person: Barbara Kaufman, Program Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (207) 725-1416

Address:

87 Baribeau Drive P.O. Box 642 Brunswick, ME 04011 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.independenceassociation.org

Last updated on February 11, 2010