What is Independent Living?
Consumer choice, consumer autonomy and consumer control, so individuals with disabilities have
opportunities regarding their living situations, employment situations, transportation, social
and recreation. Individuals with disabilities are given supports so that they may fully
participate in their communities and make decision about their everyday life.
Are all CIL's called AIM?
Each CIL has its own name. For a national directory, go to
www.ILRU.org. There are over
500 CIL's throughout the United States and over 3000 throughout the world.
How do Centers for Independent Living differ from other service organizations?
Centers have substantial involvement of people with disabilities in policy decisions and delivering
services. The basic idea about independent living is that people with disabilities know best what
services individuals need in order to live independently. Centers are required to have a majority
of individuals with disabilities on their governing board and on their staff. Independent Living
Centers must be community based and nonresidential.
Do you provide or pay for housing?
As an Independent Living Center, AIM is nonresidential. AIM does not provide housing. AIM provides
information and assistance on community based housing options and funding sources for subsidies.
What is peer counseling?
Peer counseling is individuals with similar issues, concerns or disabilities sharing with others
of similar situations.
Does AIM only serve individuals in wheelchairs?
AIM provides all of its services to any individual with a self defined significant disability- mother
for child, child for elderly parent, significant others, as well as community members who wish to
have information on disabilities.
Is there a fee for services?
To request information on our services is free and most individual consumer services and programs
are free. Some programs or services are Medicaid billable. Some programs do have a fee schedule:
ADA consultation or benefits advisement may be billable to the individual or community agency
who requested the service. No individual will be turned away from a CIL due to inability to pay.
Do I have to join AIM in order to get services?
AIM does not have a membership eligibility in order to get services or to attend programs. We just
need the individual to make the first contact to the best of their ability. AIM staff is accessible
by phone, TTY, e-mail and can be met in person, by appointment, in our offices.
What if I can't leave my home, am hospitalized or in a nursing home?
Consumers who cannot travel to AIM's offices can arrange for a home visit by an AIM advocate.
How to resolve concerns or disputes with independent living centers.
If you have a concern, address that concern by first calling the center and speaking with the
advocate or the director. If the concern is not rectified, then you may call CAP, Client
Assistance Program, for assistance in resolving independent living issues. Contact the
following to get the State center that covers your area.
NYS CAP Coordinator
NYS Commission on Quality of Care
401 Sate Street
Schenectady, NY 12305-2397
(518) 388-2892
1-800-624-4143 (Voice/ TTY)
www.cqc.state.ny.us