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About Our Members
The average ICS member has 18 diagnoses and takes 10 medications. They are among the most vulnerable New Yorkers.
- 71% of ICS members have a physical disability. The typical member has multiple diagnoses.
- 42% use wheelchairs.
- 63% of ICS members are women; 37% are men.
- 33% of ICS members are Latino; 31% are black; 25% are white; 5% are Asian.
- 100% of ICS members live in New York City.
The most common disabilities among ICS members:
- Paralysis – 19%
- Spinal cord injuries – 15%
- Multiple sclerosis – 9 %
- Rheumatoid arthritis – 9%
- Cerebral palsy – 7%
- Parkinson’s disease – 6%
Other disabilities members live with include neuromuscular disease, polio, amputation, spina bifida, congenital malformation, traumatic brain injury, muscular dystrophy, and lupus.
The most common chronic conditions among ICS members:
- Hypertension – 66%
- Gait abnormalities –52%
- Endocrine/nutrition deficiencies –46%
- Gastrointestinal disease – 45%
- Osteoarthritis – 44%
- Joint and musculoskeletal conditions – 40%
- Depression and other psychiatric conditions – 36%
- Diabetes – 35%
- Coronary artery disease – 31%
Other chronic conditions members live with include hyperlipidemia, neurological impairment, dementia, asthma, chronic pain, and cerebrovascular disease.
Your Support Secures Members’ Independence
ICS uses a risk stratification tool we created to identify those members who are at the greatest risk for poor health outcomes and the resources we can put in place to prevent or mitigate harm. We use the data we gather at both the aggregate and individual level. For example, aggregate data allows us to see the most common diagnosis among our members and develop programs to meet the needs of those groups. Individual data helps us determine which members are at greatest risk and intervene to avoid or minimize those risks.
We believe that the empowerment and participation of our members makes ICS unique. Since our founding, ICS has been a collaboration between members and staff. Our members are the primary decision-makers regarding their care.
We also recognize and encourage our members’ ability and desire to advocate for themselves. We have found that while some people with disabilities are too medically frail or face other barriers to advocating on their own behalf, many others are not only capable, but are eager to do so. Many ICS members engage directly with the policies that shape the services and conditions they need to be healthy and independent, and we become their partners in those efforts.