Resource Center for Independent Living Receives Funding For Statewide Systems Advocacy

Utica, NY, September 20, 2016:  The Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL) is pleased to announce it has received a $90,000, 3-year grant from the New York State Education Department to participate in the Statewide Systems Advocacy Network (SSAN).  Fifteen Independent Living Centers across the state receive this funding to support their collaborative efforts to advocate for priority issues that lead to improvement in the lives of individuals with disabilities.  

The SSAN is coordinated by the New York Association of Independent Living Centers and strives to raise awareness about the concerns of individuals with disabilities and to increase accessibility for everyone.  This network of organizations reaches every corner of New York State and works tirelessly to keep the need for basic civil rights for all residents of the state in the forefront of local and statewide plans.

The primary goal of all Independent Living Centers is to support the rights of individuals with disabilities to live their lives as they choose and avoid unnecessary or premature institutionalization.  It is crucial that individuals with disabilities are included in all endeavors to ensure full accessibility and participation for all New Yorkers.