CORD History

CORD evolved from a support group that was formed in 1981, by a small group of individuals with varying disabilities. In April 1988, CORD was established as a 501 C-3, non-profit organization and became Spokane’s new and only Center for Independent Living.

Grant funds were received by the Department of Education to provide independent living services within Spokane County. Since that time, CORD has been operating a non-residential independent living program and has significantly expanded its programs and services. CORD has also extended the delivery of services to include all of Eastern Washington.

CORD provides five core services: Advocacy, Independent Living Skills Training, Information and Referral, Institutional Transitions to Community Living, and Peer Counseling. Other CORD services include Attendant Care Training, Community Barrier Removal, Community Voice Mail, Protective Payee Program, REACH Program (for persons diagnosed with HIV or AIDS), Rural Outreach, Service Dogs and the Rip-CORD Newsletter. CORD also sponsors special activities and events such as Advocacy Day, Spina Bifada support group, ADA evaluations and the annual arts and crafts and silent auction fundraiser.

Additionally, CORD’s staff must include no less than 51% of people with disabilities.

The CORD Board of Directors must also indicate that at least 51% of active board members have a disability. These standards are met beyond the mandated requirements.

CORD’s long-standing history in providing independent living services to persons with disabilities has made CORD a model agency throughout Eastern Washington. Through dedication and hard work, CORD has become the leader in acting as a strong advocate for persons with all disabilities.

History of Independent Living

The Independent Living movement began in 1960 by Ed Roberts, nicknamed “Special Ed.” Ed became disabled with post-polio when he was 14 years old and had to sleep in an iron lung (an airtight metal cylinder encasing a person up to the neck, formerly used to provide help in breathing by alternating air pressure within the cylinder).

Ed attended Berkley University where he and his quadriplegic roommates demanded to be moved out of the “special” dorm unit the school provided for them, and live independently in the community. This was considered a dangerous and frivolous move by many, but they each successfully transitioned to a more independent and less restrictive living environment.

Once settled and living independently, Ed wanted to go to work. He appealed to the California Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to help find him employment. He was told he was way too disabled to ever work. Before his death in 1995, Ed headed up that organization.

Independent Living was one of the outcomes of the struggles and perseverance of Ed, his disabled friends, and many other persons with disabilities. Also evolved from the Independent Living movement was the PL94-192 or, the right to free and appropriate public education, and eventually the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). (back to top)

Independent Living Philosophy
The Independent Living philosophy advocates that persons with disabilities have the right to live as independently as possible, and that they have the responsibility to participate in planning and facilitating this independence.

Independent Living Centers
Independent Living Centers, such as CORD, are federally funded organizations where persons with a disability can access help to reach their independent goals. A certain percentage of staff and board members must indicate that they have a disability. Each center may offer varying programs and services, but there are five core services that each Independent Living Center must provide:

Advocacy, Independent Living Skills Training, Information and Referral, Institutional Transition to Community Living, and Peer Support.

At an Independent Living Center, consumers share what their needs are, and the Center assists with the services they can provide. This is very different from the more traditional models of service organizations. Because most staff members are persons with disabilities themselves, it is essentially working with peers.

Independent Living Centers, such as CORD, are here to help people—not fix them, control them, or do it all for them.

For more information on Independent Living Centers, contact CORD, or visit the Washington State Independent Living Council website. (back to top)