Location: Binghamton, NY.
STIC is a not-for-profit 501(c)3, community-based advocacy and service organization for children and adults with all types of disabilities. We are funded through a wide variety of state contracts, fees-for-service, corporate event sponsorships, project-specific foundation grants and private individual donations.
We are a “Center for Independent Living” (CIL) however, no one lives at STIC and we don’t operate housing of any kind.
Established in 1983 with a single grant through the State Education Department for $100,000 and a staff of four, we have diversified our programs, services and funding to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, employing approximately 400 people under 30 different funding sources.
All of the programs and services through STIC share common themes: they all promote independence; inclusion; and community integration.
Imagine a world that is accessible to everyone, where no barriers to independence exist; where everyone is allowed to be themselves, free to let their disabilities be just another part of who they are. Southern Tier Independence Center’s board of directors and employees believe that together we can shape this world.
Having a disability does not mean we should have to occupy a different world from everybody else. To pave the way toward this vision, we offer a wide variety of services and supports to children and adults with all disabilities and to their friends and families, as well as businesses, agencies, and government entities. Advocacy is central to each of our programs—it is the foundation of everything we do. Teaching people with disabilities to advocate for themselves, and to advocate to change the systems that serve them, will shape our dream of a barrier-free inclusive world.
We believe that people with disabilities have the right to: choose with whom and where they live; work in a competitive job at a fair wage; plan their own social activities; worship where they wish; use public transportation; vote independently in an accessible polling place; and have adequate supports to live the lives they choose while being treated with dignity and respect.
If this is what you believe as well, then STIC may be just what you’re looking for.
Our mission, philosophy and values statements will describe who we are, and our services and programs will tell you what we do, but it is your involvement and support that will lead us into our future.
Mission
STIC's mission is to shape a world in which people with disabilities are empowered to live fully integrated lives in their communities. We offer assistance, advocacy and services to children and adults with all disabilities, increasing their independence and allowing them to pursue their dreams. We also support their families and friends, as well as businesses, agencies, and governmental entities, enabling them to better meet the needs of people with disabilities. Finally, we educate and influence our community and public policy so that everyone can "Access Their World."
The Independent Living Philosophy
People with disabilities should be empowered to control the direction of their own lives. This means choosing their goals, plotting their course and taking responsibility for their actions and the results. People with disabilities have the right to make their own choices and decisions and the right to make mistakes and learn / benefit from those mistakes. Centers for Independent living (CILs) foster independence, help people with disabilities to develop networks / supports and promote self-reliance. CILs advocate for the inclusion and integration of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life.
STIC's Values
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We value the ability of every human being to reach for their dream.
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We hold that each individual has strengths and weaknesses that must be taken into account in their journey toward their dreams. Each individual must accept the responsibility for the dream, the journey, as well as the work to get there.
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We offer support, ideas, tools, training, respect and concern.
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We will not do for, when it can be done by the person.
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We will not patronize for the sake of efficiency, or under the guise of caring. We will try to understand when this causes fear, anger and frustration.
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As we develop programs and policies, we will be guided by the dreams and abilities of the people we serve.
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No matter how difficult the road, we will always choose the path of inclusion and integration.
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We will not sacrifice our principles or values for money, convenience or expediency.
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We will not shy away from controversy if that controversy will further our mission.
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We offer hope and continue to look at each person as a unique and joyful experience that will teach us, and take us on a journey where we have never been.
URL: | http://www.stic-cil.org/ |
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