Who We Are

 

Access Living is a leading force in the disability community

We fight for fairness, defend freedoms (as protected by the ADA and other civil-rights laws), and champion equal opportunity. We are located in Chicago and have a long history of doing what it takes to make sure people with disabilities can live the lives they choose. Our staff and board are made up of mostly people who have disabilities because we believe that people with disabilities are their own best advocates. We champion the mantra “nothing about us without us” and use it as a guiding principle in our work each and every day. Learn more about our staff, our board, our members, and our services.

Access Living is the Center for Independent Living (CIL) that serves the city of Chicago

That means we are a local, disability consumer controlled, cross disability, nonresidential, private nonprofit. As a CIL, we believe in dignity, community integration, guaranteed freedoms, and equal access for all people with disabilities. Our staff and consumer advocates work for systemic changes at the local, state, and federal levels.

Advocacy Director Amber Smock at the state capitol building in Springfield.
Our staff and consumer advocates work for systemic changes at the local, state, and federal levels. Pictured: Director of Advocacy, Amber Smock.

Our Vision

We envision a world free of exclusion and obstacles — a world where disability is a respected and natural part of the human experience and people with disabilities are included and valued.

Our Mission

Access Living ignites the power and pride of people with disabilities, provides critical services, and breaks down systemic barriers to create a more inclusive, and therefore much stronger, society.

We provide five core services along with many others

Our five core services include:

  • Advocacy
  • Independent Living skills
  • Transition support
  • Peer support
  • Information and referral

There are over 400 CILs in the United States that offer services and advocacy for people with disabilities, just like we do. Check out the full CIL network to find one in your neighborhood.