In 1985, a coalition of persons with disabilities, service providers, and non-disabled advocates from both sides of the river worked with the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Iowa Department for the Blind, and the Iowa Division of Vocational Rehabi1itation Services to pursue funding for a bi-state Center for Independent Living.

Following a series of public meetings, and needs assessments, it was clear that there was a strong need for a "consumer-directed" organization serving people with disabilities through advocacy and services. The Illinois/Iowa Center for Independent Living (IICIL) opened for services on January 4, 1988 in Rock Island, Illinois. Since then, we have nearly doubled our staff from the original six positions and expanded to a new Rock Island location.

IICIL provides a number of consumer-directed services, including information and referral, advocacy, independent living skills training, and peer support, which are mandated by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In addition to these services, we also have a fully accessible computer lab, state of the art information and referral library, TTY/Amplified Phone acquisition, devices for people who have low vision or are blind, Braille and transcription, sign language and Spanish interpreters, technical assistance on disability laws and policy, Disability Awareness Training, accessibility audits, and a host of volunteer opportunities for consumers and other interested persons. Our programs are explained in further detail in the IICIL resources section of the website.