Our 30th Anniversary

GCIL celebrates 30 years of championing disabled people's rights, independence, and equality in 2025.

GCIL was founded in 1995 by disabled people. Since then, we’ve supported thousands to live with choice and dignity through peer-led support, accessible housing, inclusive employment and advocacy.

For 30 years, GCIL has been a disabled-people-led organisation supporting independent living, equality and human rights across Glasgow and the West of Scotland. Our work has centred on removing barriers - whether in housing, employment, social care or public life - so disabled people can live with choice, control and dignity.

1995–2025: Honouring the Past, Building the Future

This milestone year celebrates the people, progress, and activism that have shaped GCIL - and sets the stage for the next chapter in our journey.
On 17 September, we marked this milestone with a Parliamentary Reception hosted by Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP.  The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and other MSPs attended the event, recognising GCIL’s role in advancing independent living in Scotland.
Since 1995, GCIL has played a key role in shaping Scotland’s independent living movement. We provide advice, advocacy, accessible housing support, inclusive employment programmes and peer-led services designed and delivered by disabled people. Our approach is rooted in the social model of disability and the belief that full participation is a right, not a privilege.
In addition, we shared our 30th anniversary report. It highlights stories of dignity restored and futures rewritten, and reflecting on three decades of commitment to choice, control, and opportunity for disabled people across Scotland.

“We’re not just reflecting on the past—we’re building momentum for the next 30 years.”

 Pauline Boyce, CEO

Get involved

Join us throughout 2025 for events and opportunities to shape a more inclusive future. We'd love to hear from you, share your memories or any old pictures you have.

Additionally, we'll update this page with opportunities to get involved.

You can take part in the anniversary in several ways. You can share your GCIL story, attend an event, volunteer your time, or support our work as a partner or funder. Every contribution helps strengthen the independent living movement and amplifies the voices of disabled people in Scotland.

Share your GCIL Story

How has GCIL impacted your life?

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Explore events

We're hosting a range of events to celebrate.

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