2008 Conference Taking Action for Independence: Confrontation and Controversy September 8-10, 2008 The Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, Albany, NY Call for Proposals Deadline: April 15, 2008 Download the Call for Proposals application today!

What’s new with NYAIL?

• Job Opening: ADVOCACY COORDINATOR. Send resume, cover letter, and writing sample to info@ilny.org. Click here for a full description.
  
  
• TTTT (Or Targeted, Tailored Technical Assistance and Training): If your ILC has a budget of $1 million or less, NYAIL invites you to sign up for a FREE seven-month program of targeted technical assistance, combined with individual consulting tailored to the needs of your organization. Go here to learn more and to sign up.
  
  
• 2008 NYAIL Conference: Planning is underway for the 2008 NYAIL statewide conference. The three-day event is scheduled for September 8-10, 2008. As in 2006, the event will bring together representatives from many of New York State’s Independent Living Centers and other disability-related organizations to learn, share, and plan for a future. Check back often for updates as planning continues!
  
  
• Membership benefits: Associate membership for individuals and organizations interested in supporting Independent Living is coming soon! Please e-mail info@ilny.org for more information. Full membership benefits for Independent Living centers include technical assistance and training opportunities, information about funding sources, and other efforts to support and build the capacity of member centers.
  
  
• ADA Accessibility Assessments: NYAIL and its member centers are offering their assistance to the New York State Division of Human Rights, as well as businesses throughout New York State, in implementing Section 296.2 of state Human Rights Law. NYAIL’s Independent Living Centers (ILC) are available to conduct accessibility surveys to ensure that your place of business is compliant with the requirements of this new legislation. Please contact NYAIL at 518.465.4650 for a referral to the appropriate ILC. Click here to read the Division’s related notice.
  
  
• 2008 Disability Priority Agenda: In January 2008, NYAIL issued its updated agenda of legislative priorities for New Yorkers with disabilities. This document will provide the framework for NYAIL’s future advocacy activities. Click here for an overview of the legislative priorities identified in NYAIL’s 2008 Disability Priority Agenda.
  
  
• Statewide Systems Advocacy Network (SSAN): NYAIL enters its fourth year of coordinating the SSAN, a grassroots advocacy network operated by Independent Living Centers, through a contract with the New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC).
  
  
• New cross-cutting collaborations: NYAIL reaches beyond the disability community and focuses on issues that affect all residents of the state, including poverty, housing, health care, education, domestic violence and the right to vote.
  
  
• Public education: NYAIL is working to bring the Independent Living philosophy to the forefront in high schools, colleges, businesses, hospitals, and communities throughout the state.