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 disability rights, wheelchair repair, assisted suicide, and community living
• Remembering disability rights leaders Susan Dooha and Mel Tanzman
• Highlights and recording from our Supported Decision-Making webinar
• Calls to action to share your story and strengthen disability advocacy
• Center spotlights, upcoming events, and news from across the Independent Living network

Recent Press Coverage


In August, members of our network were made aware of a video 21^st Congressional candidate Anthony Constantino made with a disabled comedian, Ricky Berwick, saying “r-word passes” would be a great way to promote Constantino’s sticker company. NYAIL, alongside ILCs in the district he is running to represent, issued a statement asking Constantino to apologize and take the video down. Unfortunately, Constantino refused to apologize, accused us of politically attacking him instead of helping people with disabilities, and shifted blame away from him on to Berwick’s use of the “r-word”. Constantino referenced a video clip from The Daily Show shared by his opponent, Blake Gendebien, where the host made a joke implying Constantino has a learning disability. No person intending to serve the public should be engaging in behaviors fueling stereotypes about people with disabilities. Both candidates must do better by their disabled constituents by engaging with the disability community to learn about the harms these stereotypes create.

You can read news articles covering NYAIL’s response here and here.

We encourage fellow disability advocates, organizations, and allies to continue speaking out against harmful language and stereotypes against people with disabilities because this is the only way we can truly spread the word to end the “r-word”..

Wheelchair Repair Delays


Advocates worked hard over this past legislative session trying to get the Consumer Wheelchair Repair Bill of Rights passed. Unfortunately, repair providers convinced the legislature that the bill would drive providers out of business, and it did not pass. 


We know that consumers often wait weeks or months for repairs, leaving them bedbound or housebound and stripped of the dignity, independence and freedom their wheelchair gives them.


NYAIL is working to combat the harmful narrative repair providers are spreading. We want to hear from you – it is time policymakers hear the truth, directly from those the bill will impact.

How long have you waited for your wheelchair to be repaired? How did that impact your life? 

Share your story with us today! If you need assistance using the Videorequest platform please contact NYAIL’s Communications Specialist Blaise Bryant.

Assisted Suicide


In late July, a lawsuit arguing that the Medical Aid in Dying Act discriminated against people with disabilities was unfortunately dismissed. The public comment period for regulations establishing physician reporting requirements for those who prescribe Medical Aid in Dying ended August 3^rd. NYAIL submitted comments detailing our concerns with the lack of contextual information being collected about the utilization of assisted suicide, such as why someone chose this option or if they were able to access other supports.


The law went into effect as planned on August 5^th just two days after the public comment period ended. NYAIL sent a letter to the NYS Department of Health asking to delay implementation of the law until public comments could be reviewed and considered in accordance with the State Administrative Procedure Act. We have not received a response. NYAIL remains concerned about the legalization of assisted suicide in NYS and will continue to monitor its implementation.

U.S. Department of Justice and Community Living
Since announcing they would “no longer rely on” current guidance to enforce the Olmstead decision, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has continued weakening disability rights protections. Recently, the DOJ asked the courts to overturn a court decision related to Olmstead that was decided in their favor after the U.S. sued Florida in 2013 for putting medically complex children in nursing homes. More details can be found on Disability Rights Florida’s website.

The official position of the DOJ is that disabled people do not have a right to receive services in the most integrated setting. They will likely be making more changes to important regulations and guidance in the coming months. We need Congress to step up and fight for our right to live in the community. Ask your Representatives to cosponsor the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act!



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!

In Memoriam

We lost two tremendous New York advocates and Executive Directors who were instrumental in advancing the Independent Living philosophy: Nothing About us, Without Us. On August 6^th we learned of the sudden passing of Susan Dooha, who was the Executive Director of the Center for the Independence of the Disabled, NY (CIDNY) from 2001 until retiring in 2021. Below is a tribute from NYAIL’s Executive Director Lindsay Miller.

“Susan was the Executive Director of the Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY (CIDNY) for nearly 20 years, retiring in 2021. She was also an active and valued member of NYAIL, serving for many years as Chair of our Board of Directors. Susan was a founding member of Medicaid Matters New York and New Yorkers for Accessible Health Coverage, helping to build coalitions that strengthened the voice of the disability community and protected access to critical services and supports. She was inducted into the NYSILC Disability Hall of Fame in 2022.

Susan brought intellect, passion, and fearless advocacy to every discussion. You could put her in front of a microphone with no notice, which I often did, and she would speak with conviction and expertise about the health disparities faced by people with disabilities and our ongoing fight for disability rights, always inspiring those around her to take action. She spearheaded several lawsuits in New York City to enforce the rights of people with disabilities in the areas of emergency preparedness, voting accessibility, curb cuts, accessible subways, and accessible public accommodations such as homeless shelters and libraries.

Susan leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, former colleagues, and all those she touched throughout her lifetime.

On August 12^th we learned of Mel Tanzman’s passing. For two decades he was the Executive Director of Westchester Disabled on the Move Inc. (WDOM). Below is a statement from WDOM’s current Executive Director Maria Samuels.

“WDOM announces with deep sadness the passing of Mel Tanzman, former Executive Director and a widely respected leader in the disability rights community. Mel dedicated more than 20 years of service to WDOM, guiding the organization with integrity, commitment, and an unwavering belief in equity and inclusion. His advocacy and leadership strengthened disability rights in our community and left a lasting impact.

WDOM honors his work with profound appreciation and respect. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him throughout his distinguished career.”


Click here to read more about Mel's life and advocacy.

Rest in power, Susan and Mel.

Events from the NYS Office of the Chief Disability Officer

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

Youth Scholarship Funding Available 

The NYS Independent Living Council (NYSILC) has scholarship funding available for young adults 18-28! The Pat Figueroa Scholarship program provides funding for young adults with disabilities, up to $1,000 per person, to attend and participate in personal and professional development activities. Scholarship funds can be used to cover registration, travel and lodging expenses for conferences, disability and leadership trainings."

Click here to read more about the Pat Figueroa Scholarship. To apply for the scholarship click here!

Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW) is September 14-18! 

DVRW is a nonpartisan movement hosted by the American Association of People with Disabilities and REV UP. DVRW is about advocacy, celebrating community, and building power. People with disabilities still face many barriers to participating in elections, and this week of collective action helps our community come together to make impactful change through individual action. Check out this webpage of voting access resources from Disability Rights NY. In our “Across the Network “ section, we have information on DVRW events being hosted by local Centers. 

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. 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!

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.

What is Supported Decision-Making (SDM)? How does SDM empower and support people with disabilities?

On Aug. 25 we held a webinar about Supportive Decision-Making for people with disabilities, which is an alternative to guardianship. Thanks to Alexis Harrington and Lace Miller-Kitchen from AIM Services for such an informative presentation. Key takeaways:


• Learn about SDM, an alternative to guardianship, as a tool to support thoughtful, informed decision-making for the future.
• Attendees learned how Decision Makers will be empowered to carry out decisions and navigate decision-making spaces.

While you’re watching the recording make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel.


Keep an eye on your inbox for our September webinar on guardianship, along with our joint webinar with NYSILC in October on emergency preparedness!

Across the NYAIL Network

BROOKLYN CENTER FOR INDEPENDENCE OF THE DISABLED 
Tuesday September 15

Disability Voting Rights Event


Join the Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID) and the Campaign Finance Board on September 15 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. for a Disability Voting Rights event at BCID’s Brooklyn office. Disability community members are invited to learn about voting rights and resources, including accessible materials designed to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities make a voting plan.

Learn More >>

INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER OF THE HUDSON VALLEY

Thursday September 10

Voter Registration Drive



Join the Spina Bifida Association of New York State (SBANYS), Living Resources, HeadCount, and the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley (ILCHV) for a Voter Registration Drive on September 10 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at 300 Washington Avenue Extension in Albany. Stop by to learn more about voter registration and help strengthen civic participation in our community.

Learn More >>

NORTHERN REGIONAL CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING 
September 14 - September 18

Voter Registration & Education Events


The Northern Regional Center for Independent Living (NRCIL) will be hosting a series of Voter Registration and Education events throughout the North Country this September.


Stop by to get information about voter registration, learn more about the voting process, and find resources to help you prepare to participate in upcoming elections.


>> Learn More

SOUTHERN TIER INDEPENDENCE CENTER

Tuesday September 15

National Voter Registration Day


Join the League of Women Voters of Broome and Tioga Counties at the YWCA in downtown Binghamton on September 15 for National Voter Registration Day. In collaboration with the Southern Tier Independence Center (STIC), the League will provide voter registration assistance while connecting community members with information about STIC services and available resources.

>> Learn More

WESTERN NEW YORK INDEPENDENT LIVING 
Wednesday, September 16 & 30

Taking Care Self-Directed Home Care

Through their work with Erie County, Western New York Independent Living and peers in the regional disability self-advocacy community were able to provide input into the new Buffalo Bills stadium. WNYIL staff, the Chief Disability Officer, and other disability advocates were able to tour the new stadium last week and shared these pictures. We are proud to have THE most accessible stadium in the NFL in Western NY.

>> Learn More

2026 Summit on Again and Independence


The Summit on Aging and Independence provides an opportunity to connect, learn and share “Best and Next Practices” for addressing the current and future needs of older adults and people with disabilities.


Our theme this year is “Tools for Living Well”. This day-long event will feature keynote speakers and concurrent workshops throughout the day.

>> 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