Established in 1980, Access Living is a change agent committed to fostering an inclusive society that enables Chicagoans with disabilities to live fully–engaged and self–directed lives. Nationally recognized as a leading force in the disability advocacy community, Access Living challenges stereotypes, protects civil rights and champions social reform. Their staff and volunteers combine knowledge and personal experience to deliver programs and services that equip people with disabilities to advocate for themselves. Access Living is at the forefront of the disability rights movement, removing barriers so people with disabilities can live the future they envision.
Who we are: Learn more about Access Living.
Meet the Access Living Board of Directors
Meet the Access Living Young Professionals Council
Meet Access Living’s Executives and Directors
Everyday, Access Living staff do great work on behalf of the independence of people with disabilities. Here are some Access Living Staff Highlights,
History: Learn more with a brief history of Access Living and a brief history of the Independent Living Movement.
Our Mission: Access Living is a cross–disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities.
Access Living fosters the dignity, pride and self–esteem of people with disabilities and enhances the options available to them so they may choose and maintain individualized and satisfying lifestyles. To this end, Access Living offers peer–oriented independent living services; public education, awareness and development; individualized and systemic advocacy; and enforcement of civil rights on behalf of people with disabilities.
Access Living recognizes the innate rights, abilities, needs and diversity of people with disabilities, works toward their full integration into community life and serves as an agent of social change.
