NYAIL Newsletter, June 2024

NYAIL News 2024

Advocacy Updates, 2024 Webinar Series and Center Spotlights and Staffing Updates

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

The legislative session ends this week. Some Assemblymembers and Senators will be back in January. Others are retiring or will lose their seat in the November election. Unfortunately, there has been little movement on our legislative priorities because the budget was passed three weeks late. Just because bills didn’t pass does not mean we stop advocating. We regroup, educate, and if need be re-educate next year!

On May 22 the Assembly held their annual Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day. NYAIL, along with several Independent Living Centers (ILCs) participated. There was a package of bills passed, including Sovereign Immunity. We urge you to contact your Senator to get this across the finish line so state employees can make discrimination complaints beyond their union representative.

Image of NYS Legislative Day speakers at the podium standing and speaking to a group at the WELL of the NYS legislative building

Webinar Series

Image background color is a gradient of light blue/green to light lime green. Text reads Mental Health Awareness Month with MHANYS. Below heading in the center is a green and blue ribbon. To the left of the ribbon the text reads, Be a voice of Change. On the right of the ribbon the text reads| Take action, Spread awareness, Support Community

On May 30 Glenn Liebman and Katie Oldakowski with the Mental Health Association of NYS (MHANYS) presented on their programs, services, and how our membership associations can be better change agents through collective advocacy. WATCH THE REPLAY HERE and access the slide deck here.

Center Spotlight

On May 14 NYAIL received the Beacon Leadership Award for Advocacy during the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley’s 27^th annual Dessert Spectacular.

“We couldn’t do all of the advocacy we do without the network of Independent Living Centers,” said NYAIL Executive Director Lindsay Miller. Check out the photos and video, thanks to our Administrative Support and Event Coordinator Nicole Mastroianni.

Executive Director, Denise Figuero seated in a wheelchair giving an award to executive Director, Lindsay Miller at the 25th Dessert Spectacular

Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado visited the Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center (SAIL) for a tour on May 20th. SAIL staff educated him on the services provided through ILCs and the need for increased state funding beyond the $750,000 included in this year’s budget. Inviting legislators and other state officials to visit your ILC helps them to understand the value we provide to society, along with furthering our progress toward an accessible, inclusive world for people with disabilities. Also happening at SAIL is their annual Garage Sale from June 13-15. Learn more about the event on their Facebook page.

Group photo of Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado with Executive Director, Tyler Whitney, Director of Community Relations, Cam Cardinale, and staff smiling BIG and standing in front of a large set of windows that fill the entire wall, letting in a beautiful amount of natural light. To the left in the background, a TV screen reads, Welcome to SAIL Lt. Governor Delgado!

On June 14 the Resource Center for Accessible Living (RCAL) is hosting an Open House and BBQ.

Flyer image with beige background and dark royal blue dotted border. The text at the top reads, The Resource Center for Accessible Living's Open House Barbeque. Centered on the flyer a charcoal grill icon superimposed over an orange flame icon. To the left of the grill is a black spatula and to the right of the the grill is a black poker holding a hot dog. Just below bordering these icons are evergreen tree. Under the tress it reads, Learn about our programs and meet our staff! June 14, 2024 - 12PM-2PM. 727 Ulster Ave Kingston, NY 12401, Learn more at rcal.org/bbq

On June 28 Taconic Resources for Independence (TRI) is hosting their third annual Inclusion Festival..

July will be a very busy month with ADA anniversary events. Stay tuned for more info on these and other happenings.

Do you have an event to promote in our newsletter? Please send to our Communications Specialist Blaise Bryant.

NYAIL Staff Recognition

NYAIL’s Good Neighbor Program Manager Josephine Todaro was recognized by Ulster County for her volunteer work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Todaro, helped organize the public vaccination site at the former Best Buy location. She ensured extra accessible parking spaces were marked because the people who were first eligible for vaccines were older adults and people with disabilities. She arranged for wheelchairs and other mobility devices to be borrowed from the RCAL equipment loan closet and available for people who needed them. When she worked, she was able to identify people who struggled to stand in line for long periods and moved them inside. Josephine understood what was needed to make sure the people who needed vaccines were able to get them. She was recognized by County Executive Jen Metzger in April with a citation which read in part, “The actions of Josephine Todaro contributed to the health and resilience of our community and exemplify the highest degree of public service to the community.”

Please welcome our new Account Clerk Michael Magisano! Michael joined us last week and is quickly grasping NYAIL and the Independent Living philosophy. Please join us in welcoming Michael to the NYAIL team!