Consumers elected a Board of Directors comprised of 51% being disabled persons. Interviews
were conducted; the Executive Director and staff were hired; researched office space; arranged
for; office equipment, supplies and furniture etc were purchased. Consumers learned to write by
laws, policy and job descriptions. A start up contract was awarded by Massachusetts
Rehabilitation Commission in 1987 the agency started to advocate for consumer rights with
regard to transportation, housing and health care issues. The IL center opened in February in
1987 established in Fall River, MA.
Two months later Massachusetts Commission for Deaf And Hard of Hearing awarded a larger
contract to provide independent living services to deaf and hard of hearing. The following year
MRC awarded a Federal contract for Title VII Part A which provides adaptive equipment and
other independent living services needed to enhance the consumers' independence.
Now it is time to make history......