About

Independent Living Resource Center, Inc. (ILRC) is a non-residential, consumer controlled, not for profit organization that provides services and support for individuals with disabilities in Southern Callaway, Camden, Cole, Miller, Morgan, Moniteau and Osage Counties in Missouri.

In 1972, the first Center for Independent Living was founded by disability activists, led by Ed Roberts, in Berkeley, California. Centers for Independent Living were created to offer peer support and role modeling, and are run and controlled by persons with disabilities. According to the IL approach, the example of a peer, somebody who has been in a similar situation, can be more powerful than a non-disabled professional’s interventions in analyzing one’s situation, in assuming responsibility for one’s life and in developing coping strategies.

According to the IL Movement, with peer support, everyone can learn to take more initiative and control over their lives. For example, peer support is used in Independent Living Skills classes where people living with their families or in institutions learn how to run their everyday lives in preparation for living by themselves.

There is a fundamental set of services found in all of the Centers; the Five Core Services. These services; Advocacy, Independent Living Skills Training, Information & Referral, Transition, and Peer Support, are complemented by unique services offered by each center depending on the communities’ need.