Ouellet Construction, CWS Architects Repurposed Former Call Center as Fully Accessible Activity “Launch Pad”

BRUNSWICK, Maine – The Brunswick Downtown Association and Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber of Commerce celebrate Independence Association’s new, fully accessible building with a ribbon cutting and Simply Social/Chamber After Hours this Wednesday Nov. 20 from 5-7 p.m.

The new location consolidates operations from three prior facilities, only one of which was fully accessible. It provides greenspace for recreation, an accessible kitchen for healthy cooking and eating, exercise equipment for clients and staff, ample parking, and a large covered portico that keeps clients safe and dry as they transfer from vehicles.

Independence Association has been assisting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live inclusively in their chosen Maine communities for more than 50 years. Its full range of services facilitates regular community engagement by clients throughout the Midcoast and beyond.

Notably, Independence Association clients contribute more than 7,000 volunteer hours a year to local nonprofit organizations such as Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Project and the Brunswick Topsham Land Trust.

Independence Association moved into the 3 Industrial Parkway location in July as part of its initiative to maximize facility access, especially as clients age. Since the nonprofit was founded, the typical lifespan of people with disabilities has increased dramatically, with many clients now living into their 60s, 70s, and 80s.

IA is also progressively replacing its residential housing stock with single-level homes for the comfort and safety of these residents, who prefer to “age in place” like other Mainers. Its two art studios, Spindleworks and SpinOff, are located in historic downtown buildings and will not be moving.

For more information about the ribbon cutting and other Independence Association events, contact Carlene Byron at 207-504-5822. Donate to Independence Association at independenceassociation.org/donate.

About Independence Association

Independence Association is a half-century old provider of quality services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism.

Independence Association employs more than 200 people to serve 400-plus clients in nine Maine counties: Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Somerset, Waldo, and York. It offers residential options, support for employment and daily living, case management, and other services essential to allow clients the greatest possible independence in the Maine communities of their own choice. Well-known programs include the Spindleworks and SpinOff art studios in Brunswick and Gardiner.