Established as a non-profit organization in 1994, the mission of EBI has always been to support people with disabilities to live on their own, work in competitive employment settings, and become empowered to make choices, take risks, and advocate for the resources they need to live as independently as possible. With 180 full and part-time staff, EBI provides services to more than 400 individuals with disabilities such as autism, brain injuries, cerebral palsy and/or cognitive, visual or hearing impairments. EBI’s Board of Directors includes volunteers who provide expertise and direction in such areas as fair housing law, finance, health care policy, personal attendant management, physical modifications for accessibility, and fundraising, etc. EBI’s major program components include Supported Living, Independent Living, Employment Services, and California Community Transitions. Supported Living provides intensive staffing for individuals who, because of physical or behavioral needs, require supervision to live safely in the community; Independent Living teaches adults with disabilities the skills they need – budgeting, shopping, meal preparation, using public transit, etc -- to successfully live on their own; and, Employment Services offers training, job placement; and, on-the-job support to individuals who are motivated to become employed. EBI’s most recently developed program, California Community Transitions, assists individuals living in nursing homes to return, safely and with support, to the community. EBI has received a number of honors for its services, advocacy, and leadership in the community. A sample of awards includes the Bill Rosenberg Memorial Award, received by EBI from CalTash, an advocacy organization, for “demonstrating outstanding leadership in promoting inclusion of persons with disabilities” and recognition for “outstanding service” by the City of Oakland’s Commission on People with Disabilities. In 2012, EBI won the Moving Mountains Best Practice Award for its Labor/Management Training and Career Ladder Development Committee as well as the Oakland Adult and Career Education’s Friends of Adult Education Award, and in 2013, EBI's Employment Consultant was honored with the Bernie Graf Service Award at the Alameda County Developmental Disability Council. EBI has long been recognized both statewide and nationally for its services, and has captured the attention of school districts, community colleges, healthcare providers, public sector administrators, housing developers, employers, and legislators throughout California, for its leadership and innovation. EBI considers its greatest achievements to be the accomplishments made by the individuals served towards leading full, integrated lives.
