Services

Independent Living Services

The Independent Living approach builds on four main services: Advocacy, Peer Counseling, Information and Referral, and Independent Living Skills.

Advocacy

Helping people resolve problems and disputes, develop effective problem-solving and communication skills, and learn about the rights of people with disabilities.

Two 3d stick figures, one asking a question the other answering

Peer Counseling

Staff and volunteers with disabilities share experiences and support others with disabilities as they explore their world and work to set and reach their goals.

Information and Referral

Informing people with disabilities about services and supports in the community that can help them achieve and maintain independence.

Independent Living Skills

3d stick figure standing with puzzle pieces around with question mark over head

Teaching everyday living skills, including budgeting, transportation, maintaining a household, finding and keeping a job, pursuing further education or training, managing personal care, and maintaining good health.

Accessibility

3d stick figure in wheelchair at bottom of a flight of stairs

Helping people with disabilities fix barriers in their own homes, and those they encounter in the community.

Benefits Advisement

Helping people with disabilities apply for and manage:

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  • Social Security Disability (SSDI)

  • Medicaid

  • Medicare

  • Ticket To Work Program

  • Public Assistance

  • Food Stamps

  • Other financial benefits

Green dollar sign on top of partially assembled puzzle

Open Doors (Money Follows The Person)

Open Doors helps people living in nursing homes and intermediate care facilities get home and community based services so they can move out and live in their own homes. Transition specialists meet with people with disabilities and / or family members to identify support services needed to achieve or regain independence and community living.

New York Connects

New York State Of opportunity NY Connects your link to long term services and supports

NY Connects is for people of all ages, any disability, and for caregivers. NY Connects can work with anyone who needs information on community long term services and supports, including children or adults with disabilities, older adults, family members, and caregivers, friends or neighbors, veterans, and helping professionals. NY Connects can help with a wide range of services, including: personal care services, education and counseling, behavioral health, developmental supports and services, health and wellness, and social supports.

Veterans Services

Nurse in green scrubs helping man in military uniform in wheelchair

The North Country Center for Independence is dedicated to helping veterans with disabilities lead satisfying lives with respect and dignity. We do this by:

Ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them.

Fighting for America’s injured heroes in government policy.

Educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.

For links to disabled veteran services, visit our Resources page.

Consumer Directed Home Care

The Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is a Medicaid program that gives consumers more control over how they get home care. It allows the you to choose a care giver, rather than having one assigned by a health care provider. Visit our CDPAP page for more information.

Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for older persons and persons with disabilities living in nursing homes, assisted living, and adult homes. Ombudsmen help residents and their families exercise their rights to quality care and quality of life. Visit our Ombudsman page for more information.