MISSION

The Western New York Independent Living Project, Inc. (WNYILP) a Family of Agencies is a multi-cultural, grassroots, peer directed, civil rights organization that provides a full range of assistance, programs and services to enhance the quality of life for all individuals with disabilities.  The WNYILP Board of Directors, Native American Independent Living Services Council, Mental Health Peer Connection Council, staff and volunteers, comprised of a majority of persons with disabilities, operate a professional and efficient organization creating opportunities for choice, independence and community participation.  This is accomplished by eliminating physical and attitudinal barriers and facilitating transportation and communication access in our community.  The WNYILP assists persons with disabilities to realize their life choices through information and referral, independent living skills, individual and systems advocacy, peer counseling, advocacy empowerment programs, self-help, leadership development, support to families and community education and partnerships.

DECLARATION OF PEER ASSOCIATIONS

The Western New York Independent Living Project, Inc. will support and facilitate the development of peer role models and relationships in its delivery of services to persons with significant disabilities.  This will be accomplished through membership on the Board of Directors, recruitment of volunteers and hiring and promotion of staff, in order to provide the necessary peer direction of activities.

AFFIRMATION OF EQUAL ACCESS

The Western New York Independent Living Project, Inc. ensures equal access for all persons regardless of their disability in both communication and physical access to the ILP’s services, programs, activities, resources and facilities, whether publicly or privately funded.

STATEMENT OF SELF DIRECTION

The Western New York Independent Living Project, Inc. must assist persons with disabilities in exercising more freedom and control over their own lives.  Therefore, whenever possible, the individuals receiving services shall be instrumental in identifying needed services and the delivery of these services.

Consumers will be encouraged to:

1. Develop their own goals.
2. Direct delivery of services using their own abilities.
3. Consumers should be experiencing self advocacy.
4. ILP staff will not impose their own judgments upon the consumer.