Mission / Philosophy
Established in 1979, Capital District Center for Independence, Inc., one of 37 Independent Living Centers (ILC) in New York State, was initially known as Wheels to Independence. Upon incorporation in 1980, the name was officially changed to better reflect the wide range of services provided by the ILC. The Center is a non-residential, community based organization, which primarily serves Albany and Schenectady Counties; however some programs extend beyond these regions.
Our mission is twofold:
By assisting people with disabilities to acquire self-advocacy skills and by teaching through example (peer advocacy), consumers achieve greater control over the direction of their lives.
Staff and volunteers strive to educate community leaders and the general public in the areas of “inclusion” and “universal access” to enlist their support in the removal of attitudinal, economic and structural barriers, which prevent equal participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life.
Services and programs offered by Center for Independence have evolved over the years to reflect the needs of the disability community. Without exception, services are provided to all persons with disabilities without regard to age, race, gender, disability, income level, ethnicity, religious affiliation or sexual orientation. Documentation of disability is not required to receive services.
Through state, federal, and private funding, Capital District Center for Independence, Inc. is proud to have served as a vital source of information in regards to individual rights, benefits advisement, community services, accessibility, and much more in the Capital Region for over 25 years!
Capital District Center for Independence, Inc. looks forward to future challenges and to commemorating many more successes in gaining equal access for people with disabilities.