About Us

At Individual Advocacy Group, we are a CARF-Accredited boutique nonprofit organization dedicated to
empowering adults with disabilities to lead meaningful lives. We firmly believe that every individual
deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we provide comprehensive support to ensure they can achieve
their full potential. Through our unique approach, we teach self-advocacy, promote self-
entrepreneurship, and utilize creative mediums to assist individuals in self-management.

All of IAG’s programs are community-based and all residential programs are family scale of four or fewer
people in Illinois, and three or fewer in Washington, D.C., using neighborhood housing and apartments.
IAG provides its services in 21 counties in Illinois from Chicago to the Quad Cities to Springfield, as well
as the District of Columbia and Maryland.

IAG was founded in 1995 by Dr. Charlene Bennett Ed.D and Dr. David Brooks PhD. They worked together
and witnessed the mistreatment of people with disabilities leading them to shut down state institutions
and promote small setting living arrangements within the community. Dr. Charlene Bennett, is a true
trailblazer in the field of disability rights. With decades of experience, Dr. Bennett has been at the
forefront of championing the rights of people with disabilities. Her unwavering dedication and tireless
efforts have led her to fight all the way to the Appellate Court, resulting in policy changes that have
transformed the lives of countless individuals. Dr. Bennett's passion for justice and equality drives
everything we do at Individual Advocacy Group.

At Individual Advocacy Group, we take pride in our commitment to creativity and innovation. We
understand that each person has unique talents, aspirations, and challenges. Therefore, we tailor our
programs to meet individual needs, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that allows for
personal growth and self-expression. We firmly believe in the power of creative mediums such as art,
music, and drama to enhance self-confidence, communication skills, and overall well-being.

What sets Individual Advocacy Group apart is our unwavering dedication to those whom others may
have given up on. We firmly believe in the inherent potential and worth of every individual, regardless
of their abilities or disabilities. We go the extra mile to provide individualized support, working closely
with our program participants to identify their goals and help them navigate the challenges they may
face along the way. We believe in fostering independence, encouraging self-advocacy, and promoting
self-entrepreneurship so that each person can take control of their own destiny.

Our programs and services encompass a wide range of areas, including advocacy and case management,
community-based residential programs, life skills training, vocational support, job placement assistance,
community integration, and ongoing mentorship. We strive to create a nurturing and inclusive
community where individuals can form meaningful connections, build strong support networks, and
cultivate their unique talents and interests.

At Individual Advocacy Group, we are committed to creating a world where people with disabilities are
treated fairly and justly. We invite you to join us in our mission of empowering individuals to lead

meaningful lives and breaking down barriers that hinder their progress. Together, we can make a lasting
difference and create a society that values and supports the rights and aspirations of all its members.
 

Thank you for your interest in Individual Advocacy Group. We look forward to working with you to
create a brighter and more inclusive future.