Celebrating Over 40 Years of Empowerment: The Journey of the Access Center for Independent Living

From humble beginnings in a garage to becoming a beacon of hope for people with disabilities in nine counties, the Access Center for Independent Living (ACIL) marks over four decades of advocacy and support. We celebrated 40 years of helping local communities in August but couldn’t think of a better way to start the new year than by sharing the story of our advocacy journey with those we serve,

In 1984, three visionaries, Roland Sykes, Roy Poston, and Roger Flint, came together to create the Access Center for Independent Living (ACIL) with a shared goal: to make local communities more accessible and help individuals with disabilities lead independent lives. Today, as we continue over 40 years of service in Dayton and surrounding communities, ACIL stands as a testament to the power of advocacy, community support, and innovation.

Roland, Roy, and Roger, affectionately known as the “Rolling R’s,” began their journey at Wright State University where they were drawn together by their passion for facilitating change. Recognizing the barriers faced by people with disabilities, they initiated ACIL in a garage, fighting for accessible transportation and consumer rights, even when funding was scarce.

The initial struggles paid off when, in 1986, ACIL officially received a contract from the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (ORSC) to provide vital independent living services. By 1990, they opened their first office in Centerville and assisted over 200 consumers in that year. This success paved the way for substantial federal funding in 1992, allowing ACIL to expand our reach and services.

Advocacy has always been at the heart of ACIL’s mission. In the 1990s, the organization fought tirelessly for curb cuts in Dayton, asserting that their absence was a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Their persistence eventually led to successful installations, marking a significant achievement in the city’s accessibility efforts. Additionally, ACIL worked with local Deaf Resource Centers to ensure businesses installed TTY services, transforming communication opportunities for the deaf community.

The 1990s also saw the inception of ACIL’s Recycled Equipment Donated for Independence (REDI) program, which distributes gently used medical equipment to those in need. “REDI has been a game changer for many in our community,” said Jeremy Caffee ACIL’s Executive Director. “It not only promotes independence but fosters a spirit of giving and support among consumers.”

As ACIL moved into the 2000s, it introduced innovative programs like “Think This Is Easy?”, a disability awareness training, which has educated countless community members by allowing them to go through simulation exercises and experience what it is like to have different types of disabilities.

“Raising awareness is key to fostering an inclusive environment. Understanding creates empathy and drives change,” said Jeremy.

However, the journey has not been without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to virtual services, leading to the formation of “Breaking Silences,” a group which advocated for emergency preparedness and essential services for people with disabilities during that time.  

“Breaking Silences was created due to the pandemic, but the advocacy of the group has gone far beyond that. We have helped to raise wages of direct support providers, helped to create plain language documents for Ohio Medicaid and much more. Our advocacy will continue for years to come,” said Maria Matzik, ACIL Education and Advocacy Specialist.

In 2023, ACIL acquired a new office and expanded its service area to encompass Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Shelby counties. As we look to the future, ACIL remains committed to empowering people with disabilities to achieve independence.

As ACIL celebrates its remarkable journey and achievements, we set our sights on the next chapter— one that promises to foster independence, dignity, and equality for all people with disabilities.

For more information about ACIL and our services, visit www.acils.com or call 937-341-5202. The story of ACIL is, ultimately, a story of resilience, community, and the relentless pursuit of independence.

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