The goal of a society that appreciates and encourages all, whatever their differences or disabilities, is within reach. While there is much we still don’t know about brain, body, and behavior, we know more all the time about how to support and encourage people with challenges.

The dramatic improvements of recent years—the doubling of life expectancy for people with disability, for one thing— inspire us all to do more. We envision a new landscape of possibilities in which everyone gets the supports they need to realize their potential.

We look forward to a time when inclusion will be taken for granted.

For our member organizations, ‘leading agencies’ isn’t a boast but a commitment. Together they have advanced the state of care considerably in just a few decades, and today apply their invaluable shared knowledge, experience and insight to address new challenges.

At the same time, many provider organizations struggle to meet growing needs with inconsistent or inadequate funding. Fortunately, those who approach their jobs as a calling as well as a career take overcoming obstacles to be part of the job. They know that being connected increases their effectiveness and accelerates innovation.

We approach problems as opportunities—whether a chance to be helpful to our members or advocate on their behalf. The experienced IAC team is always ready to help with an almost infinite variety of operational issues. Our Technical Assistance is a tailored resource for our members and can be a lifeline for smaller agencies.

We stand ready to do what we can—with something as simple as providing needed information, stepping up to help resolve a complex matter with government or clarifying regulatory issues.

The goals of the disability movement are our goals. If impassioned advocacy has been vital in the past to overcoming prejudice and creating both awareness and opportunity, it will be just as important to the future.

IAC is ideally positioned to speak up for our cause in a time of new opportunities as well as new threats. This movement did not help bring people in from the margins by being passive and accepting. We, like those we serve, are determined to look forward to more options, better funding and increasing recognition of the needs and potential of people with disabilities.

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Winifred Schiff, Chief Executive Officer

Richard Bosch, Chief of Staff

Christopher Treiber, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer

Mary E. Knox, LCSW, Chief Program Officer