The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley was founded in 1987. The Center, which was originally named the Troy Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc., was one of 18 new centers founded by the New York State Legislature that year. There are 41 Independent Living Centers (ILCs) in New York State funded with a combination of Rehabilitation Act, Title VII funds, and/or State funds under Chapter 23-A of the New York State Education Law.
The Troy Center was originally incubated by the Capital District Center for Independence, Inc. (CDCI), in the City of Albany. After one year, the Troy Center, as well as all other centers established the previous year, were to become freestanding ILCs. The Troy Resource Center opened its doors in June of 1987. The Center was initially located in the Uncle Sam Atrium Mall in the City of Troy In 2010 ILCHV purchased a building across the street, which now serves as the main site. Denise A. Figueroa was the force behind the establishment of ILCHV and continues to serve as the Executive Director.
In keeping with the independent living philosophy, the Center is a not-for-profit, federally tax-exempt, non-residential organization. The center is managed and staffed predominantly by individuals with disabilities. Likewise, the board of directors, the policy-making body, has a majority of individuals with disabilities. The Center provides a core of ILC services, and serves all people with disabilities. Annually, the Center serves over 600 individuals and addresses over 1,500 requests for information and assistance.
The Center was renamed in September of 1996, soon after it was awarded additional federal funds to operate a satellite center in the City of Hudson, 45 miles south of Troy. The Center serves individuals with disabilities in the upper Hudson Valley, and the Capital District Region with the exception of NY Connects, which serves individuals in 19 counties, from Greene and Columbia north to the Canadian border.
ILCHV is strategically located in the Capital of New York and plays an active role in educating elected officials and policy makers about the needs of people with disabilities. ILCHV staff are also active on the federal level, serving on the board of directors of the National Council on Independent Living.