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In 2018, RCIL restructured as an organization to refocus on its 
mission. A new affiliate, Living Independently is For Everyone (LIFE) at RCIL, was created to strengthen advocacy for individuals with disabilities and support their civil rights. An independent living center is a community-based organization that provides people with disabilities the resources they need to live independently in the home of their choosing and in their desired community.
mission. A new affiliate, Living Independently is For Everyone (LIFE) at RCIL, was created to strengthen advocacy for individuals with disabilities and support their civil rights. An independent living center is a community-based organization that provides people with disabilities the resources they need to live independently in the home of their choosing and in their desired community.We house and operate the three Independent Living Centers in Amsterdam, Herkimer, and Utica as well as many programs that provide independent living services to individuals with disabilities, such as NY Connects, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Family Support Services, Employment Services, advocacy, employment services, youth services, adult and senior services, and home and community-based services.
Our mission is to advocate for independence and equal access through civic engagement by people with disabilities.
We believe that in order for society to be fully accessible for people living with disabilities, they should have the freedom to partake in the many activities that we come to know as a sign of independence—for example, leaving the house whenever they choose, buying their own groceries, and attaining competitive employment, among other things. Without these fundamental rights, society is not truly accessible. By joining the LIFE at RCIL team, you can help us continue our mission of ensuring a more equal and just society for all.
