What they call their work
What they do
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Public Awareness and Educational Outreach 2 activities
- Community Engagement and Outreach EventsOrganizes and hosts public events and conducts outreach through community event participation and social media to promote awareness, inclusion, and access to services for people with disabilities.
- Public Education and Awareness CampaignsProduces monthly newsletter articles and blogs on disability-related topics including politics, substance use prevention, and community involvement. Maintains an archive of digital newsletters to inform the public about organizational activities.
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Community Resource Navigation and Support Services 2 activities
- Independent Living Services for People with DisabilitiesProvides direct support to individuals with disabilities and their families in areas including education, community living, employment, and peer counseling to promote independent living and full community participation in Cortland County, NY. Services are delivered through one-on-one and group sessions and are aligned with federal, state, and local disability rights standards.
- NY Connects Program CoordinationOperates the NY Connects program in Cortland County to help individuals locate services and supports for independent living, including assistance with insurance applications, transportation, and accessing community resources. Connects individuals with disabilities and families to long-term support providers.
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Adaptive Sports Programs 1 activity
- Accessible Recreation Program (Sunday Strikers)Operates the Sunday Strikers program, which provides accessible bowling opportunities for adults with disabilities to promote community inclusion and social engagement.
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Public Benefits Navigation and Enrollment 1 activity
- Benefits Counseling and Financial Support ServicesOffers benefits counseling and advising to help individuals apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), resolve payment issues, and achieve financial independence. Services include one-on-one and group sessions and support connecting to resources for independence goals.
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Disability Rights Advocacy & Self-Advocacy Empowerment 1 activity
- Disability Rights and Systems AdvocacyEngages in advocacy at the local and state level on issues related to accessibility, inclusion, and disability rights. Activities include analyzing government policy and regulation proposals, providing testimony on discriminatory practices, and coordinating the Statewide Systems Advocacy Network (SSAN) grant program in Cortland County.
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Workforce Readiness Training 1 activity
- Employment Readiness and Customized Employment ServicesProvides work readiness services including career interest identification, job search assistance, resume and cover letter improvement, and interview skill development. Supports individuals transitioning from subminimum wage employment to competitive, integrated jobs through customized employment services.
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Durable Medical Equipment Loan Programs 1 activity
- Medical Equipment Loan ProgramOperates a free durable medical equipment loan program allowing individuals to borrow equipment for short-term use, with loans lasting up to three months. The program supports access to necessary resources for independent living.
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Public Access Technology Services 1 activity
- Public Access Computer Lab and Telehealth SupportOperates a consumer computer lab available during business hours with printing, copying, and faxing for a small fee, and provides a private telehealth room equipped with a webcam-enabled computer for virtual medical and service-related appointments.
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Comprehensive Care Management Services 1 activity
- Transition from Institutional to Community-Based LivingSupports individuals transitioning from nursing homes and group homes to community-based living by providing peer-based assistance, securing housing, coordinating support services, and leveraging programs like the Olmstead Housing Subsidy and 1115 Waiver. Includes coordination of housing, transportation, and nutrition resources.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Peer-Led Substance Misuse Prevention (CANDLE Coalition)Operates the CANDLE Coalition, a peer-led initiative focused on reducing substance misuse among people with disabilities in Cortland County. Includes designing and managing a project management database system to support coalition activities.
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Who runs it
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA E MIKOWSKI | Executive Dir. | 45 | $55K |
- ANGELA VANDEWEERT — Secretary
- CHRISTINA TARANTO — VICE CHAIR
- DEREK PARROTT — BOARD MEMBER
- DOROTHY DUMOND — BOARD MEMBER
- KARLENE SHAFER — BOARD MEMBER
- KATHLEEN BARNES — Treasurer
- MELISSA POTTER — BOARD CHAIR
- MICHAEL WELLS — BOARD MEMBER
Who they work with
- ACCES-VR Government — Provides ongoing funding for ATI to operate as an official Independent Living Center.
- CANDLE Coalition Partner — Collaborates with the CANDLE Coalition on project management and advocacy initiatives
- Catholic Charities of Cortland County Partner — Community partner dedicated to caring for those in need and promoting human development and justice
- Community Action Program of Cortland County Network — Hosted the Cortland County Accessibility Committee (CCAC) as a grassroots committee.
- Cortland Common Council Partner — Collaborated on the Downtown Sidewalk accessibility project.
- Cortland County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Partner — Collaborates with ATI on the NY Connects initiative to connect individuals to long-term supports and services.
- Cortland County Office for Aging Partner — Community partner focused on empowering older adults and individuals with disabilities to maintain independence and dignity
- Finger Lakes Independence Center Network — Operated the Cortland County Access Center as a satellite office of FLIC.
- Guthrie Partner — Community partner providing clinically-advanced health services to promote lifelong health and well-being
- NY Connects Network — Hosts a NY Connects program site, connecting individuals to long-term services and supports across New York State.
- NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Government — Receives designation and likely funding from OPWDD as part of the statewide network of Centers for Independent Living.
- New York State Legislature Government — Provided Member Item funding through legislators for office setup and start-up costs.
- Rural Health Institute of New York (RHI) Partner — Community partner working to improve public health in rural communities through data, collaboration, and community-driven initiatives
- SUNY Cortland Partner — Community partner engaged in educational and cultural growth through regional and global collaborations
- Sheriff's Department Partner — Trained volunteers for the Sheriff’s Accessible Parking Enforcement Program (SHAPE).
- The Cortland Free Library Partner — Community partner providing information and library programs to the Cortland area
- The Cortland LGBTQ Center Partner — Community partner focused on education, advocacy, and resource enhancement for LGBTQ+ individuals and families
- The Cortland Standard Partner — Community partner serving as a local news media organization providing information to Cortland County
- Tompkins Cortland Community College Partner — Community partner serving the region by meeting educational needs and fostering student success and civic engagement
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Informed Practicemethodology: community-informed_dataBy integrating lived experience and community insight into data collection and evaluation, the organization ensures strategies are grounded in real-world needs, because community expertise enhances the relevance and effectiveness of interventions.
- Consumer-Controlled Modelmethodology: consumer_controlled_modelBy ensuring leadership and organizational direction are led by people with disabilities, the organization produces more responsive and effective services because lived experience guides decision-making and program design.
- Peer-Led Intervention Modelmethodology: peer-led_approachBy using peers with shared lived experience to lead education and support, the organization increases trust and engagement in addressing substance misuse, because peer relationships reduce stigma and foster relatability.