Founded in 1977, ILRU (Independent Living Research Utilization) is a nationally recognized center providing research, training, and technical assistance to support the rights of people with disabilities. ILRU’s programs focus on independent living, home and community-based services, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We work closely with community-based organizations to promote access, opportunity, and full participation in community life.
The Southwest ADA Center is the leading resource on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the Southwest. As part of the ADA National Network, the Southwest ADA Center serves people with disabilities, employers, agencies, schools, service providers, advocacy groups, religious entities, and more. Staff provide training, publications, and confidential assistance via the toll-free hotline: 800-949-4232.
ADA-PARC is a national research project involving all 10 ADA Regional ADA Centers and the ADA Knowledge Translation Center, working together to explore and advance ADA implementation and impact.
The ENGAGED Medical Rehabilitation Research Center (ENGAGED MRRC) supports meaningful community engagement in rehabilitation research to develop of evidence-informed interventions to address social determinants of health. ENGAGED MRRC provides technical assistance and consultative support on best practices for community-engaged rehabilitation research. Engaged MRRC will generate and disseminate new knowledge about the impact of social determinants of health on individuals with lived experiences of disabilities, thereby identifying intervention targets for medical rehabilitation researchers.
The DEP-RRTC is e dedicated to exploring contemporary issues impacting the way employers, policymakers, and people with disabilities work together. We want to help you create policies and practices that improve job quality, performance, and retention for people with disabilities.
ILRU continues supporting disability communities through sharing resources/ongoing initiatives—most recently during Hurricane Harvey. ILRU’s work began after Director Lex Frieden’s experience during Tropical Storm Allison (2001).
ILRU’s IL-NET National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Independent Living provided timely training and technical assistance to CILs, SILCs, and DSEs. IL-NET activities concluded in September 2024. Moving forward, training and TA support will be available through the Independent Living Training and Technical Assistance Center at the University of Montana.