Who We Are
Since 1979, we have provided opportunities so that people with disabilities can live freely and independently in the community. Everything we do is based on the independent living philosophy, the belief that people with disabilities have a right to self-determination – the freedom to make choices and work toward achieving personal goals and systems change.
As a designated non-residential Independent Living Center, we are organized and directed by people with disabilities. Many of our services are available to people of all ages who have all types of disabilities.
Each year, ARISE serves more than 7,000 people from our offices located in five Central New York counties: Onondaga, Oswego, Madison, Cayuga, and Seneca. All our programs are consumer directed, maximizing choice and opportunities for the people we serve.
What We Do
Our mission is to work with people of all abilities to create a fair and just community in which everyone can fully participate. ARISE promotes the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the community. ARISE has five key characteristics. The agency is:
- consumer-controlled – it is operated by people with disabilities who directly influence policies and service delivery
- community-based – it is located in the communities we serve and is dedicated to meeting each community’s specific needs
- non-residential – we do not operate a residential facility and focus on helping people live as independently as possible
- non-profit – the agency meets the federal and state definitions of a not-for-profit organization
- cross-disability focused – we serve people of all ages with all types of disabilities
Service areas include: advocacy and accessibility; basic needs and assistance; education, employment and skill-building; health and wellness; recreation and art.
