By The Numbers: Independent Living in New York State — North Country Center for Independence

The flyer below is from the New York Association on Independent Living … providing an overview of disability in New York State, and the work of Independent Living Centers throughout New York. Click each graphic to see a larger version ...

What Are Independent Living Centers (ILCs)? ILCs are community-based nonprofits run by, and for, people with disabilities. We provide vital advocacy, services, and supports to individuals so that they can live fully independent, integrated lives in their community. Why are ILCs essential? ILCs serve individuals of all ages and with all types of disabilities. In 2016, the State’s network of Independent Living Centers provided direct services to over 100,000 people with disabilities, family members, and other non-disabled individuals. ILCs serve any and all people with disabilities 43% physical disability 25% mental health disability 23% cognitive disability 9% sensory disability Approximately 25% of the individuals with disabilities served by ILCs report more than one type of disability. ILCs SAVE the state money by helping people live in the community! ILCs are incredibly cost effective, saving millions of New York State taxpayer dollars each year as a result of reducing and preventing institutionalization. Since 2001, New York’s ILCs have prevented 31,585 individuals from being institutionalized. Assisted 5,342 individuals transition from a segregated institutional setting back to the community. The Work of ILCs to transition and divert people with disabilities from institutional placement has saved the state more than $2 billion since 2001. How this translates? For every State dollar invested in ILCs, ILC transition activities save the State more than $9 in institutionalization costs. ILC funding has been stagnant for the last decade. ILC funding is not keeping pace with costs, much less inflation. ILCs have had to lay off staff — many of who have disabilities — and cut services. An additional $5 million in crucial funding would allow centers to keep providing vital services and address unmet needs — and continue to save the state money.

It’s been 27 years since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, yet people with disabilities are still falling behind in major core indicators compared to their non-disabled peers. ILCs help to address this disparity on the individual, local, and state level. Employment New Yorkers with disabilities still face major disparities in employment compared to their non-disabled peers. 78% of working age people without disabilities are employed. 33% of working age individuals with disabilities have jobs. Only 21% of working age individuals with disabilities work full-time. Income For New York State households that do not include working-age people with disabilities, median household income is $73,800, it is only $41,700 when a working age member of the household has a disability. Poverty About 12% of working-age New Yorkers without disabilities live in poverty, whereas 30% of working-age New Yorkers with disabilities fall below the poverty line. ILC services address these disparities and assist individuals to live fully independent and empowered lives. Most frequently delivered direct services: 6,931 Vocational 6,931 Personal Assistance 8,092 Housing Assistance 8,245 Peer Counseling 17,939 Benefits Counseling 17,939 Advocacy 10,665 Independent Living Skills 8,543 Assistive Technology All ILC data from NYS Education Department, ACCES-VR; all disability status data from Cornell University. ILCs Create Community Change! ILCs address disparities by advocating locally and with the State to remove systemic barriers, making communities more inclusive and accessible for all. - ILCs advocate for affordable and accessible housing! Advocacy from the ILC network has led to the creation of invaluable programs that help people with disabilities live independently in their community, including the Access to Home home modification program and the Olmstead Housing Subsidy program. - ILCs advocate for accessible transportation! All Amtrak stations north of Albany are now accessible, thanks to a campaign by ILC advocates. In New York City, ILCs played a key role in the landmark decision to make 50% of all yellow taxis accessible by 2020. - ILCs advocate to increase integrated employment options! Most recently, ILCs successfully advocated for the State’s Employment First Initiative, which makes integrated employment with appropriate supports and services a priority. New York Association on Independent Living 155 Washington Avenue, Suite 208, Albany, NY 12210 518-465-4650 phone - 518-465-4625 fax - info@ilny.org www.ilny.org

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