The ILRU program is a national center for information, training, research, and technical assistance in independent living. Its goal is to expand the body of knowledge in independent living and to improve utilization of results of research programs and demonstration projects in this field. It is a program of TIRR (The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research).
ILRU has developed a variety of strategies for collecting, synthesizing, and disseminating information related to the field of independent living. Their staff, a majority of whom are people with disabilities, serve independent living centers, statewide independent living councils, state and federal rehabilitation agencies, consumer organizations, educational institutions, medical facilities, and other organizations involved in the field, both nationally and internationally.
ILRU, founded in 1977, has a long history of providing research, education and consultation in the areas of independent living, the Americans with Disabilities Act, home and community based services and health issues for people with disabilities.
Among its core areas of expertise are:
- Centers for Independent Living: ILRU through the IL Net offers training and technical assistance to CILs and SILCs–a listing of centers and SILCs is also updated on a weekly basis
- Americans with Disabilities Act: The Southwest ADA Center is one of ten regional ADA Centers that provide technical assistance and training on the ADA. ILRU also is a member of the ADA Participation Action Research Consortium (ADA-PARC).
- Home and Community Based Services: Providing support to agencies and providers with training and publications
- Disability and Health Issues: As collaborators on the RRTC’s in Health and Wellness and in Spinal Cord Injury and Exercise, ILRU provides education and training on these important topics.
Website – http://www.ilru.org