IMPACT CIL

04/15/2026

IMPACT CIL is among the participating organizations at this event.

Bethalto Special Olympics is coming and along with it will be the amazing Resource Fair. Check out the information!

04/09/2026

The 504 sit-ins remain one of the most powerful and defining moments in disability rights history.

In April 1977, Disabled activists organized sit-ins across the country to compel the government to enforce Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The San Francisco sit-in lasted 26 days, making it the longest occupation of a federal building in U.S. history. This movement reminds us that disability rights were won by collective action, not compliance or patience.

Share your stories or memories below ⬇



[ID: A rectangular informational graphic with a yellow background and a black header at the top featuring a torch logo and the word “INDEPENDENCE.” Centered below the header is the bold black title “DISABILITY RIGHTS HISTORY: 504 Sit-in.” Three black‑and‑white photos appear beneath the title, each showing groups of Disabled activists participating in protests and sit‑ins during the 1977 504 demonstrations. Below the photos, black text explains that in April 1977, Disabled activists organized sit‑ins in San Francisco and across the country to push for Section 504 regulations, with the San Francisco occupation lasting 26 days inside the HEW Building, making it the longest federal building occupation in U.S. history.]

04/07/2026

IT’S TODAY!!! COME HUNGRY!
We cordially invite you, your family & friends to join us for lunch or dinner at Decaro’s in Alton on Tuesday, April 7th, where 15% of your bill will be donated to IMPACT Center for Independent Living. Decaro's offers an exceptional array of culinary options! They closes at 9:30 pm. Come and support us!

03/31/2026

Are you or someone you know experiencing difficulty hearing over the telephone? You may be eligible for a complimentary amplified phone device, such as a captioned phone, amplified phone, captioning tablet, cellphone, or cellphone amplifier. Please contact us at 618-462-1411 to inquire about the application process.

03/26/2026

SAVE THE DATE!!! WHOO WHOO! TRIVIA NIGHT FRIDAY NIGHT AUGUST 7th!
Please share!

03/25/2026

Kris Klenke of IMPACT CIL shared the exciting news!

"I'm so thankful to work at a place that supports advocacy for individuals of all abilities. Last week I was in Washington DC advocating for rare diseases. The FDA has denied 78% of new treatment applications for rare diseases in 2025. This is very concerning for those in the rare disease community. For those that don't know, my son was dx with a rare disease called Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II, MPS II or Hunter Syndrome. When he was diagnosed there were zero treatment options. Last week we pulled together to put pressure on the FDA to use the procedures that Congress has already put in place like accelerated approval and clinical trial design. We advocated for those individuals who can't speak up for themselves.

Today is an exciting day. The FDA has granted approval of a new treatment for individuals dx with MPS II. The first new treatment approval in 20 years and a treatment that crosses the BBB. This is a huge win for the rare disease community.

I just wanted to share that advocacy efforts do pay off and the work we do at IMPACT makes a difference."

The link below is the announcement of this new treatment, Avlayah, if anyone wants to read it.

https://investors.denalitherapeutics.com/news-releases/news-release-details/denali-therapeutics-announces-us-fda-approval-avlayahtm
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Send a message to learn more

03/25/2026

We cordially invite you, your family & friends to join us for lunch or dinner at Decaro’s in Alton on Tuesday, April 7th, where 15% of your bill will be donated to IMPACT Center for Independent Living. Decaro's offers an exceptional array of culinary options! Come and support us!

03/25/2026

World's First Practicing Lawyer with Down Syndrome, Proving that Dreams have no Limits.

You think some careers are off‑limits for people with Down syndrome – until you meet this lawyer.

Ana Victoria Espino de Santiago from Zacatecas, Mexico became the first person with Down syndrome in the world to earn a law degree when she graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas. She completed high school online to avoid discrimination and then passed the entrance exam for law school. The headmaster initially told her the school was not prepared to accommodate her needs.

One professor stepped up and offered to accompany her through all five years of college, sitting in on every class and helping her study and prepare for exams. Despite facing prejudice from teachers and classmates who did not believe she could graduate, she pushed through and earned her degree.

Her goal is to become a legislator and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities across Mexico.

03/19/2026

IMPACT CIL's Staff Kris Klenke here, currently in Washington DC advocating for rare disease awareness. Please find a link to a Newsweek article detailing our efforts at the FDA: https://www.newsweek.com/moms-stage-funeral-outside-fda-drug-protest-11701910

03/09/2026

Who do you know that struggles to hear on the phone or avoids calls altogether?
It could be a parent, a grandparent, a neighbor, or a close friend.
If someone you love finds phone conversations difficult, they may qualify for a free ITAC device.
A simple share can help someone stay connected to the people who matter most. 💙