The Rockland Independent Living Center (RILC) opened its doors in October 1986 as a result of the hard work and perseverance of several individuals who were committed to removing architectural, attitudinal and legislative barriers to accessibility. We are a not-for-profit agency serving all individuals with or affected by disabilities.

The RILC is one of 37 Independent Living Centers in New York State helping to promote the Independent Living philosophy which champions CONSUMER empowerment and control. This includes all areas of life; education, recreation, employment, housing and community involvement.

The Independent Living Philosophy simply states that all individuals, regardless of their disability, have the same basic human rights to live independently and have full control over the direction of their lives. RILC believes that education about and awareness of disability issues are powerful catalysts for change in our community.

What separates RILC from other disability service organizations is that we are required to have a staff and Board of Directors that is comprised of at least fifty-one percent of people with disabilities. With this peer approach format, RILC advances the philosophy that it is best that people with disabilities provide services and education of our community for and about disabilities.