Core Services

Advocacy | Independent Living Skills Training | Peer Counseling | Transition Support | Information and Referral Services

Our Core Services are the backbone of our mission and purpose at AIM Center for Independent Living.

These five services are the primary ways in which we assist individuals with disabilities and uphold our belief in the independent living philosophy. Read on to learn more about how each core service is implemented and practiced to best help our clients.

Advocacy

Individual Advocacy

We are more than happy to provide advocacy support upon request to individuals with disabilities who need assistance in accessing programs or services, or individuals who feel they have been discriminated against because of their disability. Staff may provide the service directly or refer the individual for legal assistance if appropriate. AIM-CIL Center staff will also assist individuals in learning how to advocate for themselves.

Advocacy for Systems Change

AIM-CIL works with area residents with disabilities to reduce architectural, program, and attitudinal barriers to independent living and increase opportunities for full participation in community life. We work on a variety of issues at the local, state, and national levels including affordable accessible housing, transportation, and accessibility of the built environment.

Volunteers are always needed to assist us in our efforts to ensure people with disabilities have equal rights! Learn more about how you can volunteer with us to make a change.

Independent Living Skills Training

Independent Living Skills Training

AIM-CIL assists individuals with disabilities in the development of skills and knowledge that encourage maximum independence. Among many others, we discuss skills such as money management, assertiveness, and using public transportation. This service is provided both individually and in groups by staff who have expertise in the desired skill area. Most importantly, all skills training is designed to meet the learning needs of each individual.

Peer Counseling

People learn and grow by discussing their needs, concerns, and issues with people who have had similar experiences. Our Board of Directors, staff, and consumers collectively have a wide range of physical disabilities, hearing loss, vision loss, and developmental and psychiatric disabilities.

We have years of experience in living independently with our disabilities. We’ve experienced all the feelings about disability, the skills needed, the resources and assistive devices, and self-advocacy. Upon request, staff will match individuals with similar disabilities or issues and concerns so that they can learn from each other and provide mutual support. You can request peer mentoring to be provided individually or we can connect you with groups that have similar disabilities or concerns.

Transition Support

Community members in a reintegration session

Community Reintegration Program

The Community Transition Program provides assistance to persons with disabilities that are between the ages of 18 – 59 years and reside in a nursing facility to relocate and secure affordable, accessible housing in the community. The goal of the program is to provide home and community-based services for the person so they can lead an independent life in the community.

Youth Transition

Our Youth Advocates support students with disabilities and their families in obtaining independent living skills, identifying post-secondary options, and connecting with community resources to promote a smooth transition from school services to independent adult living.

A young individual at a disaibled youth session

Information and Referral Services

Information and Referral

AIM-CIL staff responds to inquiries on a variety of issues from people with disabilities, family members and professionals, as well as the general public. Comprehensive information is available regarding services in the community to assist persons with disabilities to live independently. For example, we provide information on things such as accessible housing, transportation, employment opportunities, personal assistants, interpreter referrals for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and readers for people who are blind or have low vision just to name a few.