For over a decade, Independent Living services - critical services run by and for Disabled people that help peers live independently in the community - were neglected. Imagine in 2026 trying to go to the grocery store or gas station with the same amount of money you had in 2015. It wouldn't work. You would have to make sacrifices. This is the reality ILCs like CDR have been facing. 

We need your help to continue the slow progress we are making towards fixing that neglect.

Before I ask for your help, I want to make sure I explain why. What does this neglect mean to you? It means CDR and agencies like us around the state have had to make difficult decisions about the programs and services they run. Services like:

• Peer counseling where Disabled individuals offer advice, mentorship, and serve as role models for those who are newly disabled, those transitioning from institutions, and others who need support.
• Independent Living Skills Training  where Disabled people help each other learn the everyday skills needed to live and navigate the world independently.
• Information and referral which provides information to Disabled folks about their basic rights, services that are available in the community, DME, accessibility, and so much more.
• Nursing Facility Transitions which help get people trapped inside institutions out by working with them to line up services, housing, resources, and more.

 

This is only a small piece of the work we do at CDR, and it is a small piece of the work many ILCs across the state do. But because of the flat funding, our work is stretched thin. We have over 25 positions at CDR that are vacant. We cannot always start the new, innovative programs the Community wants because the funding is not there.

Last year, the Legislature began to make progress on this with a small increase of $750,000. While only representing about $17,500 per agency, less than the cost of a part-time staff person, it was an important start. A recognition of the value of investing in services run by and for Disabled People. 

While the Governor proposed to eliminate last year's increased funding in her budget, the Senate chose to put that cut back, and the Assembly went one step further - adding a new $750,000. 

We are deeply grateful to the Assembly for this support. Will you take time to send two emails? One to your Assemblymember, thanking them for their support of ILC funding and asking that they hold strong in the budget discussions. We need a second email that will go to both Governor Hochul and your State Senator, asking them to support the Assembly's addition of funds.

Together, we can make New York see the value of Independent Living services. We can make them see that services run by and for Disabled people have a value that cannot be replicated. 

This is just a start - but it is an important one. And with your help, we can make it reality.