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Our History
IARF was formed in the early 1970's by a small group of
frustrated rehabilitation professionals. Both physical and vocational rehabilitation
organizations were represented in the original membership. The Association arose out of
the need for service providers to be better represented in legislative and state policy
decisions. On August 18, 1975, the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities was
incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in Illinois. Its primary purpose, as stated
in the bylaws, is to assist in the development and improvement of services to Illinois
rehabilitation facilities and the clients and patients of those facilities through study,
experiment, and exchange of experience.
As the Association grew and became a viable force in human services issues statewide and
nationally, it was decided that full time staff was necessary. On November 5, 1975, the
first executive director was hired and subsequently, staff have been added to perform
specific duties in service to the membership. With this staff, the needs of nearly 150
members of the Association are promptly and effectively attended to. In January of 1980,
as a means of financial
stabilization, the Association purchased a building at 206 S. 6th
Street in downtown Springfield. That location serves as the official IARF membership
headquarters.
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