History of the Access Center For Independent Living

History of the Access Center
For Independent Living

The Access Center was founded by a group of concerned citizens, the majority of whom were persons with disabilities, in 1984. Those founding activists had a vision of affecting change that would make the community accessible to any person with a disability who wished to pursue a more independent, self-directed lifestyle. Those first days were filled with struggles with the local community as well as the state funding agency. Even though the meager funds for establishing independent living services were not available for starting a new center until 1990, the board advocated for accessible transportation, consumers rights, and other disability issues.

In early 1986 the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (ORSC) awarded ACIL with a contract to administer the Title VII Part A services which provides adaptive equipment and other independent living services needed to enhance the consumer's independence. In April, 1990 ACIL was awarded a grant to start providing other independent living services for the nine counties that are designated as Area 2 by the ORSC. The board conducted a nationwide search for an executive director. The board hired an executive director in September and the first office was opened on October, 1990 in Centerville. During the first year of operation ACIL provided independent living services to more than 200 consumers. Now it is time to make history....