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Universal Progress ILC

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About

About Us

Universal Progress ILC was founded in 2010 to increase the participation of persons with disabilities in society and to build a system that supports independent living.

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Many people and children, including wheelchair users, pose for a group photo in front of wooden cabins at a countryside retreat.
A large group of participants poses for a photo in a hall; wheelchair users sit in the front row.
More than 40 participants, including wheelchair users, pose for a group photo in front of the banner of the seminar 'Opportunities and Conditions for Independent Living'.
A group at tables in a hall raises their hands in celebration; participants who use wheelchairs are in the front row.
Black-and-white photo: people carrying a flag bearing the name of Universal Progress ILC march together with participants who use wheelchairs across a city square.
On a rainy street, participants help a wheelchair user down a flight of stairs, with many people holding umbrellas behind them.

Our mission

Our work goes beyond independent living support services. We have continuously worked to shape inclusive policies on public transport, buildings and facilities, education, and social and cultural participation, and to improve public attitudes and understanding.

2010

the year we began our work

4

departments and programs

7

areas of work

15

partner organizations

Structure

Organizational structure

Our work is carried out through the following four departments and programs.

Independent Living Support Department

  • Personal assistance service
  • Peer counseling and peer conversations
  • Independent Living Program
View activities

Inclusion Department

  • Policy research
  • Policy council on ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities
  • Advice and training for businesses
  • Infrastructure accessibility assessments and advisory services
View activities

Members' Social Participation Program

  • Advocacy
  • Employment
  • Member development (special events and celebrations)
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Core Office

  • International cooperation
  • Finance
  • Facilities and logistics
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How we work

An approach that supports each person's choices and participation

Our services and activities cover seven main areas. All of them aim to support the independent choices of persons with disabilities and their equal participation in society.

On a rainy day, a wheelchair user goes up a ramp with handrails, followed by their group.

Independent living support

Personal assistance

We provide a personal assistance service that supports persons with severe disabilities in their daily activities. We identify each person's needs and assign an assistant who has completed personal assistant training and has the necessary skills.

Advocacy

Advocacy

We carry out awareness-raising and advocacy aimed at government policy and decision-making and at the wider public, to change misconceptions and attitudes about persons with disabilities and to create a sound legal framework.

Participants holding yellow flags and wheelchair users gather in an outdoor square while a TV camera films them.
Young people who completed the training pose for a group photo holding their certificates; one participant uses a wheelchair.

Training and information

Training and information

We regularly provide training and information to help persons with disabilities live independently, find work and take a fuller part in society. Training is planned around our members' needs and interests, and we share everyday information, as well as information on relevant laws and public services, online.

About 30 people, including wheelchair users, raise their hands and smile in front of an APNIL and Universal Progress ILC banner.

Networks

Membership and networks

  • Member of the Kokorozashi Network of independent living centers in Asia (since 2009)
  • Initiated the Mongolian Network of Independent Living Centers in 2019

Networks and centers we work with

Kokorozashi Network (independent living centers in Asia)

National Association of Independent Living Centers of Mongolia

Mainstream Association (Japan)

Muchu (Japan)

Partner (Japan)

Next step

Explore our work and get in touch with us.

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