NYAIL News 2024

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.

CDPAP update



Despite a number of lawsuits and increasing public pressure, New York is continuing to move forward with implementation of the Single Fiscal Intermediary for the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). Applications were due August 21^st and the state is expected to contract with the selected entity by October 1^st. Advocates are anxiously waiting to see how the courts may intervene via legal proceedings scheduled in September.

NYAIL, its member Independent Living Centers (ILCs), and partner organizations have been getting needed press coverage on the value of CDPAP and increasing concerns around this budget proposal. News stories and opinion pieces have been published in many outlets, with more in the pipeline. Check out this story from Mother Jones, along with this Spectrum News piece featuring Carlos Martinez, the Executive Director of Bridges. The Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL) and Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL) have both published op-eds that speak on the harmful proposed changes

For more press on CDPAP check out our social media or do a quick search. As more news happens, we will share with you.

September Most Integrated Setting Coordinating Council (MISCC) Meeting

On Wednesday, September 11 from 1-3:00 p.m. the MISCC will be holding their next quarterly meeting. Disability presence at these meetings is more critical than ever to help shape plans and policies to make New York a better state for everyone. Click the link above to learn more and sign up for news from the Office of the Chief Disabilities Officer. Nothing about us, without us!

Third Annual Disability Rights and Employment Awareness Month Event

On Tuesday, October 1, the third annual Disability Rights and Employment Awareness Month (DREAM) event will be happening from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. There will be various activities at the event: a job fair, disability history exhibit, workshops, adapted sports demonstrations, and much more. Click here to learn more and register!

Webinar Series

Join us on Wednesday, September 11 from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. to hear how the Office of New Americans helps people with disabilities who recently came to the U.S. We will hear from Cynthia Stewart who is a Health Navigator for the office. ASL and CART will be provided. Register today for the webinar!

On August 14^th NYAIL hosted a webinar with Jess Sorbello, Project COPE Director with the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). She discussed overdose prevention and harm reduction strategies. Visit our Training and Education page to watch the recording or view the slides.

Center Spotlight

ATI CORTLAND

7^th Health and Wellness Fair at the NYS Grange 9 am – 12 pm

11^th Words Have Power ATI Community Room 3 pm – 4 pm

15^th Rev Up Bowling Event at 12 pm

25^th Light lunch| Get to Know the Candidates Running for Office at 12 – 2 pm

The calendar with more details for September is here.

CIDNY

Wednesday, September 18, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Please RSVP in advance at: Use QR code or email Mbacke Thiam at mthiam@cidny.org. For more information, please call 212-674-2300. If you need accommodation like large print, American Sign Language (ASL), or materials in other languages, please let us know as soon as possible. View Events calendar here.

INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER OF THE HUDSON VALLEY

September 24 and 26th from 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley (ILCHV), along with the Spina Bifida Association of NYS are holding a disability voter registration event. You can register here for the event. For more information please contact kathleen.watt@sbanys.org or (518) 399-9151.

NORTH COUNTRY CENTER FOR INDEPENDENCE

Join us on the second Thursday of September from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

We are excited to pop up at a new location this summer: South Platt "Fox Hill" Park! Parks Come Alive, proudly presented by the City of Plattsburgh and Fidelis Care, brings together our community for an evening of local drinks, food, music and fun in our city parks.

This event is family friendly and free to attend. Learn more here

SELF INITIATIVE LIVING OPTIONS

Thursday September 12th at 1 p.m.

For more information and events: www.siloinc.org. Contact Kathryn Snaith by calling 631-880-7929 ext. 147 or email ksnaith@siloinc.org. SILO is also hosting a voter registration event.

TRI-LAKES CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

Saturday, September 7, 2024, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Located at Paul Smith’s College and includes VIC Nature programs, food, music, vendors and more.

ADMISSION IS FREE! Check out the details here.

Mary Lamica, Interim Executive Director, will also be honored at the festival. Mary received the 2024 Diana Viets Memorial Award from the National Council on Independent Living.

STATEN ISLAND CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING Friday, September 20, 2024, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Bingo Night Fundraiser at Holy Family Church, 366 Watchogue Rd. Staten Island! Tickets are $35 per adult and include 5 cards, pizza & light refreshments. Raffle baskets, 50/50, Birthday Board.

All proceeds benefit SICIL. RSVP by 9/13 by calling Jenn at 718-720-9016 or email jjensen@siciliving.org.

WESTERN NY INDEPENDENT LIVING

​Saturday, September 21, 2024, ​11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Located at Cheektowaga Town Park pavilion shelter #1. Learn more here.

For sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, call Kevin at 716-836-0822 ext. 147. For transportation assistance, Kevin at 716-836-0822 ext. 147 before September 14.

To RSVP your attendance to the event, call Paula at 716-836-0822 ext. 146

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