BRIDGES was founded in 1987 under the name Rockland Independent Living Center (RILC). We are a community-based, peer-driven, cross-disability, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and leadership on behalf of people with disabilities. BRIDGES is one of 41 Independent Living Centers (ILC) operating in New York State under the auspices of New York State Education Department (NYSED). Each ILC adheres to a national philosophy of Independent Living (IL) that seeks to empower individuals with disabilities to make autonomous decisions regarding all aspects of living and advocating to ensure equal access to opportunities desired.

In accordance with the IL philosophy, BRIDGES is governed by a Board of Directors that has majority representation of people with disabilities. As an ILC, BRIDGES provides essential core services of Independent Living. These include:

• Peer Counseling
• Independent Living Skills Training
• Information & Referral
• Individual & Systems Advocacy
• Transition Supports