The New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) is a statewide, not-for-profit membership association created by and composed of Independent Living Centers across New York State.
View our brochure:
View our map and directory of Independent Living Centers throughout New York State:
Mission:
NYAIL leads statewide Independent Living Center efforts to eliminate physical and attitudinal barriers to all aspects of life and to fight for the civil rights and full independence of all people with disabilities.
Vision:
NYAIL envisions a future where people with disabilities have equal opportunity to live a life free of poverty, segregation, and discrimination.
Shared Values:
Inclusion Through Diversity and Intersectionality
We recognize that we are diverse and experience different and overlapping forms of systemic oppression and discrimination. We value the shared perspectives and individual experiences we bring to the fight for justice.
Disability-Led Advocacy for Justice and Civil Rights
We are people with disabilities who lead, advocate, and take action for social and economic justice, civil rights, and full inclusion in society.
Collaboration and Solidarity to Foster Community
We build alliances and engage a broad coalition of diverse stakeholders to achieve justice and equality for all. Each person thrives in their own way and brings unique value to our movement.
Independent Living Philosophy:
NYAIL affirms that people with disabilities have the right to live an autonomous life, the freedom to work without barriers, and the right to engage as equal partners in society.
What are Independent Living Centers (ILCs)?
ILCs are unique disability-led, cross-disability, locally administered not-for-profit organizations, providing advocacy and supports to assist people with disabilities of all ages to live independently and fully integrated in their communities. ILCs have served as the voice of the disability rights movement in New York since its inception more than two decades ago. We assist individuals in navigating complex service systems and advocate to ensure access to their chosen services and supports. Core programs include information and referral services, peer counseling, individual and systems advocacy, independent living skills training, and transition. Other services vary from center to center but generally include: assistance with housing, education, employment, medical needs and personal attendant services.
For statistics and more information about the importance of ILCs, see NYAIL’s 2021 Informational Flier below: