The New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) supports a statewide network of 41 Independent Living Centers helping people with disabilities access housing, advocacy, employment support, community living resources, and more.

This month:


• Advocacy updates on Olmstead, the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act, and community living
• Opportunities to participate in the NYS Chief Disability Officer's Beauty & Richness project
• Save the date for the DREAM Symposium and APRIL Conference in New York
• Highlights and recording from our Accessible Outdoor Recreation webinar
• Center spotlights, upcoming events, and news from across the Independent Living network

Members of our network, along with the New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC), attended the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Conference in late July! Attendees connected and shared resources with Independent Living Centers across the country. They organized multiple congressional meetings with New York representatives, including a joint meeting with Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand’s staff, discussing NCIL’s legislative priorities[LM1]  and the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act (more on that below!) Our group did a great job representing New York and was able to snap a picture together at the rally celebrating the 36^th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)!

On July 20^th, the Department of Justice (DOJ) followed up on the memo they released in June about their interpretation of the Olmstead Decision by rescinding previous guidance on how to implement Olmstead. This guidance was last updated in 2020, and the Department is no longer relying on it to enforce the ADA. DOJ says they plan to review the guidance, which means there will likely be new documents issued providing guidance in alignment with the Administration’s current position that people with disabilities do not have the right to receive services in the community. We know that this is deeply troubling. We’ll keep you updated on any developments.

In response, Governor Kathy Hochul released an official statement affirming New York’s commitment to upholding the rights of people with disabilities to live in their community. NYAIL continues to communicate our priorities to her team as they develop the upcoming Executive Budget, and we hope to see this commitment to community living reflected the budget, alongside the release of an updated Olmstead Plan.

The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act (H.R.9401/S.4865) was introduced into Congress in June and needs cosponsors in the House! LRFA codifies, in federal statute, the right of people with disabilities and seniors to receive Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) in their own homes and communities instead of institutions. It is important that we take action to secure our rights during a time when the ideals set forth in the ADA and Olmstead Decision are being targeted. The House members from New York who currently cosponsor the bill are:


·       Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9]

·       Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]

·       Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

·       Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]

·       Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]

·       Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15]

You can reach out to your representative and ask them to cosponsor the bill by visiting our action center. It only takes a few minutes!


Do you have a story about how home and community-based services have granted you freedom? Please share it with us here! Your story deserves to be heard and helps others understand how policy impacts real lives. 


Policy news can be hard to keep up with – If you have questions, please reach out to our Director of Advocacy, Elizabeth McCormick. To stay updated on NYAIL’s advocacy efforts, sign up for our action alerts!

Events from the NYS Office of the Chief Disability Officer

The NYS Office of the Chief Disability Officer (OCDO) is thrilled to announce a project in partnership with Positive Exposure entitled Beauty & Richness: Celebrating New York State's Disability Community!

The outcome of this project will be a book representing the beauty of New Yorkers with disabilities from throughout the state, with portraits photographed by Rick Guidotti, Founder & Director of Positive Exposure - an award-winning photographer, filmmaker, and advocate who has spent decades "collaborating internationally... to effect a sea-change in societal attitudes" toward people with disabilities, chronic diseases, and long-term health conditions. Accompanying the portraits of each project participant will be a mix of texts, including quotes, brief biographies, life experience highlights, and more!

Participation in this project is voluntary. However, because the purpose of this project is to share lived experiences, celebrate the diversity and beauty of New Yorkers with disabilities, and proudly and enthusiastically embrace belonging to this incredible community, disclosure of disability(ies) is required for project participation. 

Nominations will be accepted through August 14, 2026, by completing the Beauty and Richness Nomination Form or by visiting the NYS Office of the Chief Disability Officer website and scrolling down to the section that begins with "Beauty & Richness - Celebrating New York State's Disability Community" and clicking the "Nomination Form" button.

SAVE THE DATE!

This year’s Disability Rights and Employment Awareness Month (DREAM) symposium, hosted by the CDO, is happening October 14-15 in Albany. We’ll share more information as it becomes available.

Disability Rights & Resources

APRIL Conference Coming to Niagara Falls

The Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL) is bringing its conference to Niagara Falls from October 23-25. We are thrilled to have them come to New York, where there are many rural ILCs throughout the state. Early bird registration ends Aug. 23. Hotel blocks with accessible rooms are also available, along with exhibitor tables, sponsorship opportunities, and nominations for rural advocacy and leadership awards, which are being accepted through Sept. 18. Click the link above for more info!

New Office for New Americans Disability Resource Guide

Office for New Americans (ONA) serves people who have newly immigrated to the U.S. from other countries. Some of their populations consist of people with disabilities. In an effort to connect new Americans to services, they developed an updated resource guide. To learn more about the ONA, visit their website.

Learn with NYAIL

Become a 2026 Access Partner

Partner with the New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) as a 2026 Access Partner and help ensure our free monthly webinar series remains fully accessible to all. Our webinars convene advocates, Independent Living Centers, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders across New York State. Your partnership directly supports American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and live human captioning while aligning your organization with a statewide leader advancing disability rights, equity, and independent living. Contact Blaise Bryant to learn how your organization can become an Access Partner in 2026.

*Click the image to download the 2026 Access Partnership Opportunities guide and share it with community partners who believe access should always be standard, not optional.

Accessible Outdoor Recreation for 
People with Disabilities

On July 29^th, we held a great webinar about expanded outdoor recreational opportunities for people with disabilities. Presenters included:


• Leah Akins, Statewide ADA Accessibility Coordinator: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
• Katy Carroll: Disability Training Coordinator, Association on Aging in New York
• Meg LeFevre Bobbin: Committee Member, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Accessibility Advisory Committee

Key Takeaways:


• Benefits of outdoor recreation for people with disabilities.
• How NYS has expanded access to recreation through adapted equipment as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s “These Lands Are For Everyone” initiative.
• Discuss advocacy opportunities people with disabilities can use for improving outdoor recreational access.

Across the NYAIL Network

ACTION TOWARD INDEPENDENCE
Wednesday, August 5 & Monday, August 10

Know Your Housing & Eviction Rights

Join Action Toward Independence and community partners for two free informational sessions covering tenant rights, the eviction process, repairs, and best practices for protecting your housing.

Learn More >>

BRIDGES | Monday, August 31

BRIDGES Golf Outing


Support programs that empower people with disabilities while enjoying a day of golf, prizes, and community at Paramount Country Club.

>> Learn More

DIRECTIONS IN INDEPENDENT LIVING | Saturday August 8 & 22

Stepping Out Dance Program

An inclusive dance program where participants can stay active, build confidence, and connect with others in a supportive environment.

Learn More >>

RESOURCE CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING  | Saturday, August 8

Oneida County Community Hope & Healing Day

Enjoy a free family-friendly event featuring community resources, wellness activities, food trucks, therapy dogs, games, and live music.

>>Learn More

WESTCHESTER INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER | Now through August 31

Joe Bravo "Play It Forward" Scholarship

Support adaptive sports opportunities by entering the scholarship raffle for a chance to win a signed New York Knicks jersey.

>> Learn More

Community Connections

The NYS TINRC is hosting its 4th annual Join the Journey Conference!

This FREE event for all New Yorkers takes place on September 22 and 23 in Saratoga Springs, NY. Join us to connect, learn, and restore as we explore ways to advance trauma-informed practices into our work and community.

This event is made possible with support from the New York State Office of Mental Health.

Learn More >>

Explore current employment opportunities within New York's Independent Living network.


• Statewide Support Services Coordinator
• Good Neighbor Volunteer Coordinator

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.

Lindsay Miller

Executive Director 

Email: lmiller@ilny.org

Elizabeth McCormick

Director of Advocacy  

Email: emccormick@ilny.org

Blaise Bryant

Communications Specialist

Email: bbryant@ilny.org