How Did SAIL Come To Be? A Brief History

1972 • The Center for Independent Living in Berkeley, CA was the first ILC (Independent Living Center), which sparked the worldwide Independent Living movement.

1988 • Glens Falls Independent Living Center is founded.

1990 • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. It prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life – to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and Local programs and services.

1990 • Glens Falls Independent Living Center relocates! Initially, a few people were helping people with disabilities from a small room over a bank on the corner of Bay and Quaker Roads. The Center moved to 25 Sherman Avenue in Glens Falls, NY.

1994 • The Saratoga satellite office is established in a room donated by The Saratoga City Hall.

1998 • Glens Falls Independent Living Center moves to the Queensbury Building at 71 Glenwood Avenue.

1999 • The United States Supreme Court held in Olmstead v. L.C. that unjustified segregation of persons with disabilities constitutes discrimination in violation of Title II of The Americans with Disabilities Act.

2004 • Saratoga County Office of Independent Living (SCOIL), the GFILC satellite office, relocates to its own building in the city of Saratoga Springs.

2007 • The Glens Falls Independent Living Center is renamed The Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center (SAIL) to reflect the larger constituency that we serve.

2008 • SAIL satellite office moves to Geyser Road in Ballston Spa, which is a more centralized location within Saratoga County.

2010 • Establishment of Advisory Councils.

2013 • SAIL satellite office in Plattsburgh established.

2019 • New Mission and Vision, renovation of the buildings