2. Since 1976, Resources for Independence, Central Valley (RICV) has worked with consumers to promote their independence in the community. RICV's service area includes the five counties of Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Madera and Merced. By charter, at least 51 percent of employees at RICV have disabilities, as does 51 percent of the center’s board of directors. This underscores the importance of consumer control in RICV. It is also important to note that RICV does not operate any type of residential facility. RICV is not assisted living or skilled nursing facilities, a common misconception. Instead, the RICV staff direct their efforts toward the goal of freeing people with disabilities from institutional living, while educating the community on accessibility issues. With the proper support system from the community, people with disabilities can live where they choose and pursue their dreams just as any other individual does. It used to be Project of California Association of the Physically Handicapped (CAPH), then Center for Independent Living (CIL), and now it is Resources for independence Central Valley. RICV
19. RICV is continually changing peoples’ lives by assisting the targeted community live more independently. Nick, Martha, Suzie, and consumer at RICV 34 th Annual Dinner http://www.ricv.org/about.html
20. Resources for Independence Central Valley (2010). Web. www.ricv.org California State University, Fresno. Henry Madden Library. October 1, 2010. Soto, Jimmie (2010). Program Director. Personal Communication. Resources for Independence Central Valley Sandoval, Reyes (2010). Independent Living Specialist. Personal Communication. Resources for Independence Central Valley.
