During the late 1970's, several people took up the idea of a "Display of Aids" to assist disabled people. The display started part time at the Rehabilitation Centre in Dominion Road, later moving to the Auckland Arthritis and Rheumatism Society premises in the front building of the then Mater Hospital in Mountain Road. It was at this time that an Information Service was added to the aids display.

Auckland Coordinated Council for Disabled (ACCD), Auckland CCS, Arthritis and Rheumatism Society, Rotary and other organizations joined together to raise funds and plan the development of the Independent Living Centre.

The Independent Living Centre was opened in 1981 in a purpose built building on CCS grounds at Royal Oak. The building, the first of its kind in New Zealand, housed an information service, aids display, demonstration areas, function rooms and offices for community focused, tenant organizations.

The Independent Living Centre changed its name in 1983 to the Disabled Persons Independent Living Centre Inc. and then in 1988 to the Disability Resource Centre Auckland Inc.

Since 1981, the Disability Resource Centre Auckland Inc. has continually sought to develop and increase the range, scope and quality of services it offers to support the needs of the disabled community. The services currently offered are detailed in the Services section of this website. Disabled people are represented in Governance and as employees of the Centre. Our vision and strategic direction are very much aligned with the objectives of the New Zealand Disability Strategy.