History

THE HISTORY OF INDEPENDENT LIVING

The Independent Living (IL) movement began in the late 1960s and early 1970s when society was in the midst of a growing civil rights movement. Ed Roberts, one of the founders of the IL movement, was denied admission to the University of California at Berkeley because of his disability. He challenged that decision and won, but was forced to live in a medical facility on campus.

Fighting against the restrictions and the perception of being sick, Ed worked with other students to organize practical supports, such as accessible housing and personal assistant services. This allowed them to live on their own. Hearing of their success, many people contacted them for information and support. In 1972, the first Center for Independent Living (CIL) was formed in Berkeley.

CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

A CIL is a non-residential, not-for-profit, community-based agency that provides the core services of Independent Living. A CIL is more than just an organization. It embodies a movement with a philosophy rooted in principles similar to the civil rights and women’s rights movements. The Independent Living Movement developed in response to systems that were inaccessible and excluded people with disabilities.

THE INDEPENDENT LIVING PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of independent living holds principles that contrast the IL model with the traditional rehabilitation model. In the IL model, the society with barriers and the negative attitudes toward disabilities are the problems to be fixed, not the individuals with disabilities.

The IL movement has fostered a particular definition of independence: “Independence is the ability to control one’s own life by making responsible choices from acceptable options.” To ensure “acceptable options” exist and to prevent inappropriate institutionalization, CILs offer a variety of services, called the five core services: advocacy, independent living, information and referral, peer consultation, and transition.

We started this organization in 1981, and we’ve been working hard every day since to promote the inclusion and wellness of persons with disabilities. We have helped hundreds of individuals with developing the skills and make the connections needed to be independent and fully participate in all areas of life.

Timeline

  • In February 2026 CWDR will be having its first Annual Empowerment Gala celebration our 45 year anniversary!

  • In September 2025, CWDR received additional funding from Initai Foundation to focus on Systems Advocacy

    In September 2025, CWDR received additional fudning from NCW Tech Alliance to continue basic computer classes

    In August 2025, CWDR received a grant from Legal Foundation of Washington to support consumers with legal questions.

    In June 2025, CWDR was able to purchase a second outreach vehicle

    In June 2025, CWDR received new contract with DSHS for Community Guiding Choice

    In June 2025, CWDR received a grant from WA BIPOC Executive Director to fund a month sabbadical for the director.

    In May 2025, CWDR was able to purchase a building in downtown Yakima ( 17 N 3rd St Suite 101, Yakima, WA 98901)

    In January 2025, Jennifer Serne became CWDR's new Board President

  • In October 2023, CWDR continues to receive a public health workforce grant.
    In October 2023, CWDR received a new contract from Kittitas County Public Health to focus on emergency preparedness in Kittitas County.
    In November 2023, CWDR received additional funding to support purchasing a building. 
    January 2024 CWDR received new funding from Hopesource to support individuals with disabilities to help them apply for resources at hopesource.
    In February 2024, CWDR received funding from Able Now to share information about Able Now.
    In September 2024, CWDR received new funding from NWC Digital to purchase laptops to do computer training.

    In March 2024, CWDR purchased its first outreach vehicle.
    In September 2024, CWDR moved to a new office location in Ellensburg ( 2009 W Dolarway Rd Suite 101 Ellensburg, WA 98926)
    September 2024- CWDR received 240k from Initia to support the program.

  • In August 2023, CWDR received funding from USaging to increase resources for individuals with disabilities to education on COVID-19.

    In June 2023, CWDR received funding from DOH to increase outreach to Latinx individuals with disabilities to increase education on COVID-19.

    In April 2023, CWDR received funding from DOH- Able Now to support participant enrollment.

    In December 2022, CWDR received funding from the Group Health Foundation to support Assets funding. 

    In November 2022, Dave Douglas became the new Board of Directors Chair. 

    In November 2022, CWDR received funding from DOH to increase COVID-19 outreach in all five counties. 

  • In September 2022, CWDR received a 3-year grant from Group Health Foundation Action, Power, System; CWDR will use this funding to assist individuals with new ramps, bathrooms, and lawn care modifications. 

    In April 2022 CWDR received funding from ACL Public Health Workforce to continue working and helping individuals find resources regarding COVID-19.

    In March 2022, CWDR received a contract with VA to provide a Veteran Directed Care program.

    In February 2022 CWDR received a contract with DVR to provide Independent Living Services.

    In January 2022 CWDR received funding from ALL in WA to help with Vaccine outreach.

    In November 2021, CWDR received funding from the Seattle Foundation to help with vaccine outreach.

  • In May 2021, Sarah Oliason became the Board of Directors Chair. 

    In May 2021, CWDR received funding from ACL/CDC to increase access to vaccine outreach.

    In April 2021 CWDR Received additional funding to provide informational packages to the homeless population through DOH

    In April 2021 CWDR received a contract with Hopesources to assist individuals that been impacted by COVID-19 in Kittitas County

    In March 2021 CWDR received funding through Public Health Kittitas funding for emergency preparedness

    In February 18, 2021, Mayra Colazo became the new Executive Director

    In January 2021, CWDR received funding to provide informational packages to the homeless population through DOH.

    In January 2021 CWDR received Unrestricted funding from Group Health Foundation to assist with our mission. 

  • In July 2020, Mayra Colazo became the new Interim Executive Director.

    In July 2020 CWDR received funding through the Cares Act to assist individuals impacted by COVID-19.

    In November 2019, CWDR moved to a new building at 301 E 2nd Ave.