IARF | Our History

Our Story

History
IARF was formed in the early 1970's by a small group of frustrated rehabilitation professionals. Represented by both physical vocational rehabilitation organizations, the Association arose out of the need for providers of community disability and mental health services and supports 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 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 to 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 has been added to perform specific duties in service to the membership. With this staff, the needs of all 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.

Who We Are Today
Since its incorporation, IARF has been the voice of human service organizations in government. In addition we have worked to provide agencies with individual consultation on issues that affect them specifically. IARF also commits itself to developing programs that return members’ investment of their dues. Our purpose is clear, "To assist in the development and improvement of services in Illinois."

The Association represents nearly 80 member agencies providing services and supports in more than 900 locations across the state of Illinois from Galena to Karnak, Chicago to Metro East St. Louis, and Quincy to Danville. Our membership provides services and supports in 111 of 118 legislative districts representing a unique opportunity to shape public policy as our membership is active at the grassroots level.

Become a Member!

IARF was founded on the knowledge and expertise of its members - in essence our members are a community of practice. We have an active structure that involves members in developing our positions on key issues.

JOIN TODAY!

The stated purpose of IARF, according to its bylaws, is:

to assist in the development and improvement of services...
to act as a clearinghouse for information...
and to develop progressive methods of effective service to persons with disabilities through study, experiment and exchange of experience.

The powers of the IARF Board of Directors are:

adoption of the fiscal year of the Association
adoption of operating budget and authorization to carry out the activities authorized by the budget
designation od the address of the Association
designation of persons to sign and countersign all checks, drafts, and orders for the payment of money to obligate the Association by signing of notes, orders, or promises to pay
designation of banks at which Association funds shall be deposited an authorization for the opening of bank accounts
receipt, use, holding and investments of any funds, gifts, bequests or endowments of the Association and use of the same
adoption of rules and procedures, and establishment of divisions/chapters
adoption of rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out its responsibilities and effectively administer the affairs of the Association
delegation to the Executive Committee such authority as it deems necessary for the Committee to act for the Board between meetings
employment of the President/CEO.

The Board of Directors, in 1987 changes their structure to give more responsibility to the committees of the Association. In addition to the role committees play in the discussion of selected topics and the development of recommended positions, they also provide grassroots input into the development of legislative and public policy agendas.

The committees are the "inner workings of the organization." They keep the organization and members engaged. We are especially proud of the fact that, on average, at least 80% of our members are actively engaged with at least one of the Association's committees.

Join Your Colleagues and be a Leader in the IARF Community.

Advancing policy priorities and budget objectives takes a community. The diverse Board of Directors and our team at IARF value the input and perspectives from the staff in our member organizations throughout Illinois. Working together we can advance and share best practices, advance priorities aimed at ensuring high quality services and supports, and ensure state and federal governments invest in community-based services and supports.