The first research program to be funded by the ICA gets underway at the University of Pennsylvania.

The ICA organizes its first patient meeting in New York.

The ICA develops as a federal tax-exempt organization. Charitable status is obtained. The ICA joins the National Organization of Rare Disorders.

The first ICA Update is published and distributed to contributors.

A nationwide system of State Coordinators and Support Groups begins to take shape.

Work begins on a consolidated political action campaign to gain access to an equitable share of federal research funding for IC.