About Us

A Brief History of the Organization:

Northern Regional Center for Independent Living (NRCIL) is a community-based disability rights and resource center. We were started in 1987 with a grant from the New York State Education Department, through the work of a grassroots group called Citizens United for the Removal of Barriers, (CURB), and the Disabled Persons Action Organization. We are now part of a network of 37 Independent Living Centers in New York State and over 450 Centers across the nation.

NRCIL is a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, non-residential, non-medical center which provides information and advocacy resources to people with disabilities of all ages in Jefferson and Lewis counties. This includes individuals, family members, caregivers and community advocates. NRCIL encourages people to maximize their personal independence through its peer-to-peer philosophy.

Strategic Plan: Goals for 2003-2008

Community Compliance

NRCIL will encourage, educate and support the public and private sectors in Jefferson and Lewis Counties toward full structural accessibility.

 Deinstitutionalization

NRCIL will increase awareness among people with disabilities of the opportunities to live in the community.

 Employment

NRCIL will identify and remove the critical barriers to employment for individuals with disabilities.

 Free, Appropriate Public Education in the Least Restrictive Environment

NRCIL will be a proactive facilitator with families and educational providers to ensure FAPE for all children with disabilities in Jefferson and Lewis Counties.

School to Adult Life Transition

NRCIL will increase and improve opportunities for students with disabilities to develop the skills needed to transition more effectively into the adult world.

Stigma Busters

NRCIL will create a community where disability pride is promoted through understanding and acceptance of differences.

Transportation

NRCIL will ensure affordable accessible transportation for people with disabilities in Jefferson and Lewis Counties.                     

Our Values

Northern Regional Center for Independent Living (NRCIL) is guided by the following values:

1. Full Inclusion - An end to discrimination and prejudice against people with disabilities through education that will make our society fully inclusive so that people can live, work, eat, sleep, go to school, and recreate throughout the community regardless of their abilities.

2. Independent Living – People are in charge of their own lives and have the right to choose the services, tools, and support systems in the community that they deem best for themselves.

3. Ownership of NRCIL by People with Disabilities – People with disabilities in our community must be a majority of our Board, Staff, and Volunteers, to ensure proper direction of planning and policy making for the organization.

4. Advocacy for Systems Change – NRCIL, with consumer participation, uses effective methods to transform systems in order to achieve positive change for an inclusive society.

5. Quality Service – Our services are delivered so that all people are treated with respect, integrity, efficiency, and with the highest degree of competence.

6. Peer Support –People benefit from receiving support from peers with similar experiences who can best understand and empathize with their situation.

7. Environment of Warmth - People involved with NRCIL experience a friendly welcome and sense of belonging.

8. Representation – People with disabilities shall have the equal opportunity to participate and be fully represented in the leadership of the community