About
Our History
Key events since 2009, when we joined the network of independent living centers in Asia.
2009
Joined the Kokorozashi Network
Became a member of the Kokorozashi Network of independent living centers in Asia.
2010
Universal Progress ILC officially founded
Universal Progress ILC was officially founded.
Held the first conference on the right to independent living, with representatives from 6 Asian countries and more than 200 participants from Mongolia.
2011
The first “Asia TRY in Mongolia”
Organized the first “Asia TRY in Mongolia”, an international advocacy event, successfully carrying out our second major initiative calling for the participation of persons with disabilities in society and for accessible infrastructure.
2012
Study visit, first contracted work and the Independent Living Program
Our whole staff team made a study visit to Japan to learn about its social protection system for persons with disabilities.
Began delivering some government functions under contract for the first time, to support the participation of persons with disabilities in society.
With support from the Open Society Forum, carried out a major monitoring study of social welfare services.
With support from the international organization Mercy Corps, launched our first Independent Living Program and began training the center's younger generation.
2013
A new, accessible office
Universal Progress ILC got a new, accessible office.
2014
“Accessible Public Transport for All” march
The “Accessible Public Transport for All” advocacy march was held and achieved results.
2015
Shadow report to the UN committee
Served on the team writing the shadow report to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and prepared and submitted a document on pressing issues of the right to independent living, education and accessibility.
2016
Working group on the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Joined the working group drafting the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and worked to get education, accessibility and the right to independent living included in it.
Began a joint project with the Korean organization DPI Korea.
2017
Model projects for personal assistance services
With support from the international organization AIFO, Tegsh Niigem (Equal Society) NGO and the Canada Fund, began model projects for personal assistance services.
2018
Long-term model project with the Mainstream Association
Launched a long-term model project on the right to independent living with the Mainstream Association in Japan.
Carried out an organizational reform project and redesigned our activities, structure and strategic planning.
2019
Mongolian Network of Independent Living Centers
With support from the international organization AIFO, launched the Mongolian Network of Independent Living Centers.
2020
10th anniversary and a new stage
Universal Progress ILC marked its 10th anniversary and entered a new stage: putting into practice a system that supports the everyday participation of persons with disabilities in society through the right to independent living.
2021
Change in leadership structure
The organization's leadership structure changed: Ya. Avirmed was appointed President and N. Munkhjargal Executive Director.
2022
Pilot program for personal assistance services
Submitted proposals to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the General Agency for Development of Persons with Disabilities, and launched a pilot program for personal assistance services.
2023
JICA Grassroots Program project
With support from JICA's Grassroots Program, began the project “Strengthening the Capacity of Independent Living Centers in Ulaanbaatar” together with the Mainstream Association.
2024
UP Coffee Shop
Opened the UP Coffee Shop together with the international organization AIFO.
2025
European Union project approved
The project “Empowering hidden persons with disabilities by strengthening the network of independent living centers in Mongolia” was approved for European Union support.
2026
Kokorozashi Network meeting in Ulaanbaatar
The Kokorozashi Network in Asia met in Ulaanbaatar for the second time.