DAC prides itself on having an extremely diverse and adaptable board of directors, staff and volunteers. These people, many of whom have a disability, form the partnership to work to promote the independence and equality of all individuals with disabilities in all aspects of society.
Independent Living means that we demand the same choices and control in our everyday lives that our non-disabled brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends take for granted.
We want to grow up in our families, go to the neighborhood school, use the same bus as our neighbors, work in jobs that are in line with our education and interests, and start families of our own.
Utilizing our collective power, DAC provides information and referral services while fostering attitudes, policies, and environments of equality and freedom. Our board strives to create a compassionate and accessible place for people with disabilities. We encourage people with disabilities to take control of their lives and to live life to the fullest.
In 1990 DAC was a program called North Idaho CIL and a part of Stepping Stones, Inc. Federal law and diverging issues meant we had to form a new nonprofit to keep our grant funds.
The necessary documents were filled out and signed to become a new company and a 501c3 nonprofit. On May 1, 1993 DAC officially began business with a federal grant of about $100,000 and a public transit system that was struggling.
But with grass roots determination and collaborative leadership, DAC grew from the little grant project it was to what it is today. In 1993, DAC had a budget of about $150,000. Last year, it paid out more than 1 million in payroll, owns two office buildings, and has offices in Moscow, Lewiston and Coeur dAlene to serve the Inland Northwest.
