State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/I/C - Mount Hope) announced today that the final State Budget includes $1 million in additional funding to support the creation of three Independent Living Centers, including one in Sullivan County. Independent Living Centers in New York State are community-based, nonprofit, consumer controlled centers available to all people with disabilities.
"Sullivan County is a large county that does not have an Independent Living Center," stated Senator Bonacic. "While Action Toward Independence has a satellite office, a full service center will help to meet the needs of the disabled in Sullivan County."
Senator Bonacic said that Independent Living Centers provide important services for the disabled such as peer counseling, independent living skills training, housing assistance, securing, maintaining equipment, all geared toward promoting self-help and equal access. The centers also provide information and referral services to enable disabled individuals to make informed choices about living and working independently.
"I was pleased to ensure that this funding was included in the Senate’s budget plan. In fact, last year the Senate passed my legislation for the creation of a center in Sullivan County. Disabled individuals of Sullivan County deserve access to important support services that an Independent Living Center provides," concluded Senator Bonacic.
