To be involved and engaged, to pursue interests and ambitions, to be active members of their community – for over two decades, New Yorkers with disabilities have turned to Independence Care System (ICS) for resources and services to help them achieve their goals. Few organizations in New York City possess the depth of expert knowledge and hands-on expertise of ICS. By working directly with a diverse community of people with disabilities for so many years, ICS knows that, to best support members, we must focus on three essential areas: health, mobility and independence. These three interdependent focus areas are the foundational pillars that, when put together, make health equity possible for people with disabilities.
Though the needs of each ICS member are different, and may vary over time, the interplay between the pillars makes it impossible to achieve success in one area while neglecting the other two. A person with a disability who is unhealthy finds that their mobility and independence suffer. Investments in health and mobility may go to waste when someone does not have opportunities for independent activities. Finally, if a member does not have an adequately-fitted mobility device, their health and independence are impacted.