👉 Disability Funding Is on the Line

NYAIL News February 2026

Advocacy Updates, Webinar Series, and Center Spotlights

Thank you for taking the time to read the monthly newsletter from the New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL). Do you have job postings, events, or suggestions to improve our newsletter? Send any information to NYAIL’s Communications Specialist Blaise Bryant.

Advocacy Updates

On January 20^th Governor Kathy Hochul released her proposed budget for state fiscal year 2027, which starts April 1 of this year. We were anticipating significant cuts because of the “Big Beautiful Bill” signed by President Trump last July. While we do not need to be concerned with significant budget cuts the unfortunate reality is we will need to collectively advocate for a budget that truly prioritizes New Yorkers with disabilities. Below is a summary of our priorities. For more information click on the link for our Budget Disability Priority Agenda at the bottom of this section.

IL Funding

The Executive Budget funds ILCs at $16 million in the Aid to Localities Bill. This does not include the $750,000 legislative add we received in the 2024-25 budget, and successfully restored in last year’s budget. We will again be advocating to restore this and increase base funding for our network to $25 million. ILCs are not included in the 1.7% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) proposed by the Governor. We will continue to advocate for legislation expanding the COLA to include ILCs and other human services organizations.

Informational poster advocating increased funding for New York Independent Living Centers, highlighting service statistics and funding requirements.

Click Image to Download Flyer

Health

Despite the threats to healthcare funding as a result of H.R. 1, the Executive Budget does not make any new cuts to Medicaid-funded services. In fact, the Budget makes significant investments in institutional healthcare settings like hospitals and nursing homes. The Financial Plan credits a supposed $1.2 billion in savings realized by changes to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) for these reinvestments. There is no reinvestment in home and community-based services despite an overwhelming need, as evidenced by the Master Plan on Aging and forthcoming Olmstead plan.

NYAIL will be advocating for New York to invest in home care, including restoring access to the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Medicaid Waiver, repealing MRT II home care eligibility cuts implemented in September, and increased funding for the Open Doors program to support transition of individuals from nursing facilities to community living.

Housing

The Governor proposes cutting funding for the Access to Home program to $1 million in the Capital Projects bill. This program is administered by Homes and Community Renewal, allowing eligible New Yorkers to make home modifications of up to $25,000 covered by the program. Access to Home was funded at $4 million last year. We will advocate to restore this funding and increase base funding to $10 million by emphasizing the importance of this program in addressing the disability housing crisis.

Lindsay Miller and Governor Kathy Hochul smiling and shaking hands in front of a backdrop with New York State logos and text.

Check out our Budget Disability Priority agenda
for more information on our priorities!

Applications Due Feb. 15 for National Disability Leadership Series

The Westchester Institute for Human Development is accepting applications for their upcoming National Disability Leadership Series. This fully virtual program is designed for people with disabilities ages 18-30 who want to expand their advocacy skills. The series lasts for ten months, starting in May. Find out more information by clicking here!

Webinar Series

We kicked off our 2026 webinar series discussing federal Medicaid advocacy strategy. Lara Kassel, Coalitions Director with Medicaid Matters New York presented on the “Big Beautiful Bill” (HR1) impact on people with disabilities and the Independent Living community. Key takeaways:

Over 1.5 million New Yorkers with disabilities could lose Medicaid coverage.
Sharing your Medicaid story with elected officials, letters to the editor for your local newspaper, and on social media helps educate the public about Medicaid.
There is a projected $750 million deficit for this year’s state budget because of the bill. The deficit is also projected to reach $3 billion next year.

Visit our Training and Education page to watch the recording and view the slides.

Flyer for a webinar titled "Trauma-Informed Care in the Workplace" on February 18, 2026, with presenters Josh Higgins and Zachary Borodkin.

Our February webinar focuses on trauma-informed care in the workplace.

Join us on Wednesday, February 18 from 1-2:00 p.m.

Key takeaways:

Trauma informed care applies to all workplaces.
Staff and leaders may carry trauma or chronic stress into work.
Trauma informed practices support staff wellbeing and retention.
These approaches strengthen organizational resilience.
The webinar covers core principles and workplace applications

Presenters:

Josh Higgins — Community Engagement Specialist, NYS Trauma-Informed Network & Resource Center

Zachary Borodkin — Education & Outreach Training and Coaching Specialist, Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York

American sign language and human captioning provided.

Sucess Stories

From Subminimum Wages to Competitive Employment

By Eric Selzo and Lindsay Miller

Three people stand inside a cozy workshop or craft room. In the foreground, two individuals hold a wreath made of fresh pine branches. The person on the left wears a dark jacket and glasses, while the person on the right wears a yellow beanie, a light blue jacket, and red gloves. A third person stands in the background, partially obscured by the wreath, smiling and facing the camera. Overhead, a ceiling fan is surrounded by strings of dried herbs and flowers hanging from the ceiling. Shelves along the left wall hold neatly stacked bowls and jars. Natural light fills the room, creating a warm, creative, and welcoming atmosphere.

NYAIL’s Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) pilot program recently celebrated its first customized employment placement, achieved through Self-Initiated Living Options, Inc. (SILO). The SWTCIE program supports individuals who are currently earning—or at risk of earning—subminimum wages by helping them explore community-based employment with individualized support from Independent Living Center staff.

Before joining the program, Brandon faced significant challenges related to anxiety, especially when interacting with unfamiliar people. His support network worried these barriers might prevent him from pursuing competitive employment. But during a community-based Discovery activity, Brandon demonstrated a remarkable shift. He remained calm, engaged, and comfortable interacting with a local business owner—behaviors that contrasted sharply with what others had previously observed.

Discovery takes a different approach to employment assessment. Instead of testing, it tells a person’s story. Employment specialists spend time with participants in their homes, in the community, and in places they enjoy—observing strengths, preferred ways of learning, and environments where they thrive. This process helps create a fuller and more accurate picture of each individual. At Ocean Fog Farm, Brandon took part in assembling wreaths, an activity that highlighted both his focus and his abilities.

His positive demeanor made a strong impression. The owner of Ocean Fog Farm expressed immediate interest in hiring him. With support from his Employment Specialist, they discussed next steps, leading to an offer of $18 per hour and a flexible schedule to accommodate his transportation needs.

Brandon’s story challenges assumptions about “readiness” and shows what’s possible when individuals have opportunities to demonstrate their skills in real-world settings. With high expectations and the right supports, meaningful competitive employment becomes not just possible—but achievable.