PRESS STATEMENT
Contact: Blaise Bryant, Communications Specialist
(518) 572-7555• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Disabled Advocates Demand Constantino Remove R-word Passes Video

(Albany, NY) – The New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) and its member Independent Living Centers serving people with disabilities throughout New York State are calling on Anthony Constantino to apologize for and remove a disturbing video that uses outdated and discriminatory language toward people with disabilities.

The casual use of the word “retarded” for business promotion is offensive, harmful, and demeaning. Such conduct perpetuates harmful stereotypes about people with disabilities and contributes to a culture of bullying and discrimination. This is unacceptable behavior from anyone, particularly a CEO and a candidate running for public office.

At a time when the rights and dignity of people with disabilities are under increasing scrutiny, public figures have a responsibility to demonstrate respect and leadership. Language matters. Elected officials and candidates must be held accountable for words and actions undermining disability rights and inclusion.

“This is not an issue of Democrats versus Republicans. Anyone seeking public office must be held to a higher standard and held accountable for using harmful language about people with disabilities,” said NYAIL Executive Director Lindsay Miller.

“As the old saying goes – any Press is good Press when you want people to notice you. But there has to be a limit and what these two did with their “Pass Card To Say Retard” video,  is more than uncool.    It is offensive 5th grader level  meanness no decent adult would find remotely acceptable or funny. Nor want to hand either of them a “Pass” for doing..” said Jeff Reifensnyder, Executive Director of Maximizing Independent Living Choices in Massena.

“Treating this word as a joke, or worse, packaging it as a "pass" to be handed out for laughs, is not an isolated lapse. It reflects a broader pattern in our political culture where cruelty toward vulnerable groups is treated as entertainment rather than what it actually is: discrimination,” said Aileen Martin, Executive. Director of Northern Regional Center for Independent Living in Watertown.

“RCIL and our fellow ILC partners' focus remains on promoting the dignity, rights, and full inclusion of people with disabilities. We believe language matters and that everyone deserves to be treated with respect. We encourage public dialogue that reflects the value, contributions, and humanity of people with disabilities,” said Mansoor Shahid, CEO of Resource Center for Independent Living in Utica.

About The New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL): NYAIL is a statewide membership organization of Independent Living Centers (ILCs), community-based not-for-profit providers of advocacy, services and supports for New Yorkers with disabilities of all ages. ILCs are controlled by, and largely staffed by, people with disabilities. NYAIL and its members are dedicated to empowering disabled New Yorkers to live full, integrated lives in the community.

###

PRESS STATEMENT
Contact: Blaise Bryant, Communications Specialist
(518) 572-7555• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For Immediate Release: March 26, 2026

Independent Living Centers Call for Full Funding in State Budget

Albany, NY – The New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) urges Governor Hochul and the Legislature to fully fund the state’s network of 41 Independent Living Centers (ILCs) at $25 million in the FY2027 Budget. This investment can be achieved by reallocating just a small portion of the $2.5 billion in state funding resulting from the federal government’s approval for New York State to transition the Essential Plan—preserving health coverage for millions of New Yorkers while freeing up significant state dollars set aside for this purpose.

The Legislature has already demonstrated its strong commitment to Independent Living by including additional funding for ILCs in both the Senate and Assembly one‑house budgets. NYAIL urges State leaders to build on this momentum and finalize full funding in the enacted budget.

“For over a decade, Independent Living Centers have faced systemic underfunding, with a current allocation of only $16.75 million,” said Lindsay Miller, NYAIL Executive Director. “The State funding made available through the Essential Plan transition provides a long‑overdue opportunity to fully fund New York’s only disability‑led, statewide network of cross-disability service providers. Increasing ILC funding to $25 million—a modest $8.25 million increase—will ensure that every center has the base operating support needed to adequately serve its community. This investment strengthens our ability to help disabled New Yorkers access community‑based services, transition from, and stay out of, nursing homes, secure accessible housing, build independent living skills, and advance systemic advocacy.”

###

PRESS STATEMENT
Contact: Blaise Bryant, Communications Specialist
(518) 572-7555• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For Immediate Release: February 26, 2025

NYAIL Condemns Border Patrol Failures After Blind Refugee Found Dead in Buffalo

(Albany, NY) – The New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) is expressing deep outrage over the tragic and preventable death of Nurul Shah Alam, a 56‑year‑old blind refugee who died after being abandoned by border patrol agents in Buffalo. According to reporting from the Investigative Post, Alam, who did not speak English, was blind, and had no means to call for help was released from immigration custody and left at a donut shop five miles from his home. His family was never notified. He had been missing since February 19.

Alam had been accused of trespassing and weapons possession for carrying a curtain rod he used as a makeshift cane. Despite clear indicators of disability, agents failed to ensure his safe return or connect him with any services that could have supported him. There are many local area organizations that provide services for people with disabilities that he should have been referred to. This was a complete failure by US Border Patrol.

Border patrol has claimed that Alam accepted a ride and showed no signs of disability. The facts tell a different story: a blind man with no language access, no mobility support, and no way to call for help was left alone in the dead of winter to navigate miles on foot. He never made it home.

“As a totally blind person, I know the sinking feeling of having few resources to ask for help if I’m lost. You hope someone will be kind, but the reality is people can be unwilling or take advantage. I can only imagine how Alam felt not knowing how to speak English or use a phone to get help. Instead, he was left to die in the extreme cold because border patrol refused to fully do their job,” said NYAIL Communications Specialist Blaise Bryant.

NYAIL condemns the systemic failures that led to Alam’s death and is calling for a full investigation into how this occurred, who is responsible, and what steps will be taken to ensure it never happens again. Disabled people, regardless of immigration status, are entitled to basic protections, safety, and dignity.

###