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
http://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
