The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF)

Illinois Association for Rehabilitation Facilities

IARF was formed in the early 1970s by a small group of frustrated rehabilitation professionals. Represented by both physical vocational rehabilitation organizations, the Association arose out of the need for providers of community disability and mental health services and supports to be better represented in legislative and state policy decisions. On August 18, 1975, the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in Illinois. Its primary purpose is to assist in the development and improvement of services to Illinois rehabilitation facilities and the clients and patients of those facilities through study, experiment, and exchange of experience.

As the Association grew to a viable force in human services issues statewide and nationally, it was decided that full-time staff were necessary. On November 5, 1975, the first executive director was hired, and subsequently, staff have been added to perform specific duties in service to the membership. With this staff, the needs of all members of the Association are promptly and effectively attended to. In January of 1980, as a means of financial stabilization, the Association purchased a building at 206 S. 6th Street in downtown Springfield. That location serves as the official IARF membership headquarters.

Since its incorporation, IARF has been the voice of human service organizations in government. In addition, we have worked to provide agencies with individual consultation on issues that affect them specifically. IARF also commits itself to developing programs that return members’ investment of their dues.  Our purpose is clear: "To assist in the development and improvement of services in Illinois."

The Association represents nearly 80 member agencies providing services and supports in more than 900 locations across the state of Illinois, from Galena to Karnak, Chicago to Metro East St. Louis, and Quincy to Danville. Our membership provides services and supports in 111 of 118 legislative districts, representing a unique opportunity to shape public policy as our membership is active at the grassroots level.  

Josh Evans

Josh became President & CEO of IARF on April 1, 2018, after nearly fifteen years working to advance the budget and policy priorities of the Association through the Illinois General Assembly and United States Congress.  During his tenure as Vice President of Government Relations & Operations, Legislative Director, and Legislative Liaison, Josh led IARF efforts to pass several initiatives into law, managed grassroots advocacy campaigns to protect funding for community-based services and supports, and represented IARF on many broad-based coalition efforts.

Josh has served on the Board of Directors of the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), where he was also Chair of the State Association Executives Committee and Co-Chair of the Government Relations Advisory Committee.  He has also served on the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Social Services Advisory Council (SSAC) and the Developmental Disabilities Regulatory Advisory Board. Currently, he serves on the Economic and Employment Opportunity Task Force for Persons with Disabilities and the Board of Directors of the Illinois Society of Association Executives.

He caught his first fish at age 37. It was a bluegill.