NEW YORK STATE (WENY) -- A new state-wide partnership will now help strengthen home care services for New Yorkers, including here in the Southern Tier. Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new plan she said will help strengthen the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP).

"The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program is a New York State initiative designed to provide home care services for individuals with disabilities in their home. Participants to select and hire their own personal assistance and schedule services at a time that is convenient for them in their home. AIM has administered the CDPAP since 1998 and we have successfully served thousands of consumers. ?A new method has been introduced to an existing model, with a single statewide entity and the use of program/facilitator agencies. The CDPAP's intent remains consistent as it has for over 30 years and will continue to ensure that individuals maintain autonomy and control over their lives," said the CEO of Aim Independent Living Center, Rene Snyder.

The partnership includes over 30 community partners across the state. The following 11 Independent Living Centers joined NY's CDPAP partnership:

- AIM Independent Living Center
- ARISE, Inc.
- Finger Lakes Independence Center, Inc.
- Independent Living, Inc.
- Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley, Inc.
- Long Island Center for Independent Living, Inc.
- Rockland Independent Living Center dba Bridges
- Resource Center for Independent Living
- Southern Tier Independence Center
- The Center for Disability Rights
- Western New York Independent Living, Inc.

Snyder said programs like this help give people a sense of independence.

"With a new model, the program itself remains the same, but the individuals still get to [be] in control of their care. They get to hire, fire, select the tasks that are done, [and] train [people] how they would like [things] done in their home," said Snyder.

Snyder also added with this program, they're adding 35 jobs across both the Southern Tier and state.

If you or a family member needs assistance through AIM, please call (607)-962-8225.