AIM Independent Living Center

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

AIM supports the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act, bipartisan legislation recently introduced in Congress that protects and strengthens the rights of people with disabilities to receive long-term services and supports (LTSS) in the community and avoid institutionalization.

According to a summary from Sen. Michael Bennett of Colorado, a lead sponsor, the bill (H.R.9401/S.4865) would:

• Establish a comprehensive state planning requirement with enforceable and measurable objectives to transition individuals with disabilities out of institutions and into the most integrated setting, if they choose that transition.
• Prevent state governments and insurers from engaging in discriminatory practices, policies, or rules that would prevent an eligible individual from receiving community-based LTSS.
• Identify and address disparities in the provision of community-based LTSS.
• Accelerate state compliance with the integration mandate of the ADA.
• Guarantee minimum requirements for coverage of LTSS, regulated by the U.S. Attorney General.

For more about the bill, visit https://latonyareevesfreedomact.org

The bill was reintroduced as recent Justice Department actions and a Supreme Court decision signal the federal government will no longer enforce the community integration mandate based on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Supreme Court’s 1999 Olmstead decision. For background, visit https://ncil.org/community

To contact your Congressional representative about the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act, visit https://ilny.us/advocacy/action-alerts

NYAIL strengthens local independent living centers, serves as the foundation for a strong statewide network, and is a leader in the civil rights movement for al

09/17/2026

In honor of Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week, AIM will serve donuts and apple c***r to our OPWDD Self-Hire Staff on Friday. We'll have tents outside the Corning AIM office, 271 East First Street, from 9-11 a.m., and outside the Elmira AIM office, 350 West Church Street, from 1-3 p.m. Stop by for a treat and thank you for all you do for AIM consumers!

09/17/2026

The Humane Society of Schuyler County is offering a free wellness clinic for the pets of active-duty military, veterans and first responders Oct. 3. To register call (607) 210-2600, ext. 204 ... Also, just a reminder that AIM has a veteran's advocate to provide peer counseling and help veterans with benefits, employment, housing, medical care, recovery services and more. It's free and confidential. Call AIM at (607) 962-8225 and ask for Steve Olix.

We are once again hosting a wellness clinic for the pets of veterans, first responders, and active military in partnership with Cornell University's Shelter Medicine Program. This generous program is made possible by the Gary Sinese Foundation. Registration is required.

09/09/2026

AIM Independent Living Center is looking for volunteers to help our mission - advocating for change, building partnerships, and promoting individual choice for people with disabilities.

We are currently seeking volunteers in our Food Pantry in Elmira, NY. We welcome people from all backgrounds and encourage individuals with disabilities, family members, community members, students, retirees, professionals, and anyone who wants to make a difference to get involved.

To learn more, visit https://aimcil.com/careers/

This is an unpaid volunteer opportunity. Volunteers contribute their time and talents in support of AIM’s mission and are not employees of AIM.

09/04/2026

Thank you to Gov. Hochul for supporting community integration - the right of people with disabilities to live in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.

09/04/2026

AIM has many great direct support professionals who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our OPWDD Self-Direction Program (we also call them Self-Hire Staff). Recognize someone you know and enter them in a raffle for a $500 gift card from Amazon!

Nominate your favorite Direct Support Professional for a chance to win! Nominations close on September 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.

09/03/2026

Stop in today for AIM's Community Resource Room!

09/03/2026

The third annual Homes on the Horizon Housing Conference, to be held Friday, Oct. 16, will bring together community stakeholders to discuss homelessness and the shortage of affordable, accessible housing - and work toward possible solutions.

The event, presented by AIM and Arbor Housing and Development, will be from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Economic Opportunity Program, located at 650 Baldwin Street in Elmira.

The conference will be facilitated by Dusty Hewitt of Long Run Communications. This year’s theme is building a homeless response system in the Southern Tier, connecting systems and creating solutions.

AIM is planning to have panel discussions with guest speakers from community organizations, a lived experience panel, and breakout group activities.

Attendance is free and breakfast and lunch are included for participants, but advance registration is required.

AIM also welcomes local service providers who would like to table at the event, at no cost.

To register as an attendee or to table at the event, click here: https://bit.ly/HomesOnTheHorizon