The Catskill Chronicle

MONTICELLO, NY (December 18, 2011) – The NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) has awarded Independent Living, Inc. $300,000 to assist persons with physical disabilities, persons with developmental disabilities, and persons who are frail elderly in Sullivan and Orange Counties in making accessibility improvements to their homes.

“We are delighted to have received this funding, to enable us to continue to assist members of our community who would not otherwise be able to stay at home, or return home from hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, due to mobility impairments and inaccessible homes," said Executive Director, Doug Hovey. "We have always worked to help individuals to live in the community, in the home of their own choosing, regardless of the extent of their disabilities. In the past few years, we have assisted approximately 75 families to improve accessibility in their homes. This new funding will allow us to assist between 20 and 30 more families. It could not have come at a better time, in light of the fact that we recently established offices in Monticello and Middletown, in addition to our Newburgh location."

Founded in 1987, Independent Living, Inc. is a consumer-directed, cross-disability advocacy and service organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for persons with disabilities. Our vision is a barrier-free society with opportunities for all persons to achieve their maximum potential.  Programs and resources offered by our agency provide needed support to individuals with all disabilities at every stage of life. These include the Mid-Hudson Regional Early Childhood Direction Center; Work Incentives Planning and Assistance; ADA Consultation; employment; education advocacy; Deaf and Hard of Hearing services; supportive housing, mental health case management, peer advocacy and counseling; hospital transition and diversion services for individuals with psychiatric diagnoses and/or chemical addiction; a Community Independence Program for adults with developmental disabilities; independent living skills development and life skills, and OPTIONS, a Consumer Directed Personal Assistant Program.

For more specific information about the many ways that Independent Living, Inc. is helping to achieve a better quality of life for people with disabilities living in the Mid-Hudson region, visit our website at www.myindependentliving.org.

(Photos provided of Monticello office grand opening)