Access Independence Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Work with individuals with disabilities to enable them to live or work more independently in their communities and workplace. See Schedule O for a more detailed explanation of the Mission Statement.
- Income
- $987,438
- Spending
- $911,996
- Spent on programs
- 91%
- Reserves
- 4.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 88%
- Employees
- 18
- Highest pay
- $83,092, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 70 out of 100. Higher than 43% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 4.1 months of spending.
Debt
5 of 20It owes 52% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 8% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 15% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1591% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 92 out of 100. Higher than 86% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 256 of 6 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (5)
- $588,743 spent. Core Services During the fiscal year ending9/30/2025, Access Independence supported individuals with disabilities through various independent living services. These services included peer counseling, independent living skills training, housing assistance, individual and systems advocacy, information and referral, assistive technology, durable medical equipment guidance, and transportation related referrals. All services were delivered with the goal of supporting individuals to live and work as independently as possible within their chosen communities.Throughout the fiscal year, a total of 287 new and ongoing individuals were served. Of those served, 40 individuals received assistive technology and prosthesis related counseling and referrals. Independent living and life skills training, peer counseling, education advocacy, personal care assistance referrals, and related supports were provided to 243 individuals. Vocational referrals, coaching, and transportation assistance and training were delivered to 51 individuals. CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O.
- $146,454 spent. Money Follows the Person Through the Money Follows the Person Nursing Facility Transition program, individuals with disabilities were supported in pursuing their goal of transitioning from nursing facilities into the community. Access Independence worked closely with each consumer to identify, coordinate, and secure appropriate community-based services, resources, and supports necessary to facilitate a successful transition. Advocacy efforts were utilized when appropriate to support consumer choice and self-determination. During the fiscal year, 53 consumers were assisted through the nursing facility transition process, with 12 individuals successfully transitioning into community-based residences of their choice. Following transition, these individuals received six months of ongoing follow-up, including regular status checks, satisfaction surveys, and referrals for any needed adjustments to personal care or support plans.
- $64,798 spent. Through the ADRC MIPPA program, Access Independence provided a centralized point of access for individuals with disabilities and older adults seeking Aging and Disability Resource services. These services included benefits counseling, personal care assistance information, and related supports through collaboration with the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging. During the fiscal year, more than five presentations were delivered statewide to educate professionals and community partners on ADRC services and available supports. In addition, outreach efforts included numerous phone calls and mailings to inform individuals about the Medicare Savings Program and other benefits available through ADRC MIPPA.
- Program Service Expenses 32,240, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 0 Case Services - During the fiscal year ending 09/30/2025, 71 consumers received direct financial assistance through Part B Case Service Funds and or restricted donor funds. These resources were used to assist individuals in addressing barriers that limited their ability to live independently in their homes or perform their jobs effectively. Assistance provided during the year included, but was not limited to, transportation support, food, clothing, utility assistance, housing assistance, temporary personal care assistance services, furniture, and other essential supports. These targeted interventions played a critical role in improving stability, safety, and independence for the individuals served.
- Program Service Expenses 0, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 0 Additional Accomplishments - Access Independence, in collaboration with other Centers for Independent Living, continued to promote emergency preparedness education throughout the community. These seminars focus on educating professionals on how to appropriately support individuals with disabilities during emergency situations and will continue into the next fiscal year. In addition, Access Independence received approximately 25 donated sleeping bags that convert into jackets. These items were distributed by the Community Outreach Advocate to individuals experiencing homelessness in the community. This initiative continued from the prior fiscal year and is expected to remain an ongoing outreach effort in the coming years.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending September 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since December 1986.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.