Staff

New York Association on Independent Living, Inc.

155 Washington Avenue, Suite 208
Albany, NY 12210

Phone: 518-465-4650
Fax: 518-465-4625
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Website: www.ilny.org

Lindsay Miller
Executive Director
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518-465-4650 ext. 102

Meghan Parker
Director of Advocacy
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518-465-4650 ext. 103

Alexander Englander
Communications Specialist
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518-465-4650 ext. 118

Aurie Mercer
Office Manager & Event Coordinator
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518-465-4650 ext. 101

Daniel DeBlois
Chief Financial Officer
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518-465-4650 ext. 107

Valerie Brennan
Director of Housing Programs-
Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) Program
Rapid Transition Housing (RTH) Program
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518-465-4650 ext. 110

Renée Mayer
Program Assistant –
Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) Program
Rapid Transition Housing (RTH) Program
518-465-4650 ext. 111

Krystina Rodriguez
Support Services Coordinator – Rapid Transition Housing (RTH) Program
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518-465-4650 ext. 116

Vincent Negri
Program Coordinator - Rapid Transition Housing (RTH) Program
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518-465-4650 ext. 117

Zach Garafalo
Program Director- Open Doors (MFP) Peer Outreach Program
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518-465-4650 ext. 106

Suzanne de Beaumont
Project Director – Open Doors (MFP) Transition Center Project
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518-465-4650 ext. 104

Laurie Carter
Social Work Coordinator – Open Doors (MFP) Transition Center Project
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518-465-4650 ext. 108

Tami Loya
Education & Outreach Coordinator – Open Doors (MFP) Transition Center Project
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518-465-4650 ext. 105

Sara Morris
NYC Transition Specialist Liaison – Open Doors (MFP) Transition Center Project
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518-465-4650 ext. 112

Michele Pedersen
Statewide Transition Specialist & Peer Liaison–Open Doors (MFP)
Transition Center Project & Peer Outreach Program
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518-465-4650 ext. 114

Laura Bingell
Nurse—Open Doors (MFP) Transition Center Project
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Success Story

Melissa is a 24-year-old African American woman suffering from severe mental health complications. She came to WNYIL looking for assistance with financial obligations and employment. The benefits staff assisted Melissa in obtaining temporary cash assistance, Medicaid, and food stamps from the Department for Social Services program, while actively seeking employment and housing. After 120 days of receiving services, Melissa obtained full-time employment at a nursing facility, preparing meals. She receives a health benefit package including a 401K opportunity, vision and dental, while moving into her new three-bedroom apartment on Buffalo's East Side making a successful transition, improving her quality of life significantly.

ILCs Create Community Change!

ILCs address disparities by advocating locally and with the State to remove systemic barriers, making communities more inclusive and accessible for all.

ILCs advocate for affordable and accessible housing!
Advocacy from the ILC network has led the creation of invaluable programs that help people with disabilities live independently in their community, including the Access to Home home modification program and the Olmstead Housing Subsidy program.
ILCs advocate for accessible transportation!
All Amtrak stations north of Albany are now accessible, thanks to a campaign by ILC advocates. In New York City, ILCs played a key role in the landmark decision to make 50% of all yellow taxis accessible by 2020.
ILCs advocate to increase integrated employment options!
Most recently, ILCs successfully advocated for the State’s Employment First Initiative, which makes integrated employment with appropriate supports and services a priority.