New York State Independent Living Council

New York State Independent Living Council
Name	New York State Independent Living Council
Formation	1980s
Type	Nonprofit advisory council
Headquarters	Albany, New York
Region served	New York State

New York State Independent Living Council

The New York State Independent Living Council is a state-level advisory body created to coordinate Independent living movement activities and advise state agencies on disability policy. It works with Rehabilitation Act of 1973, state agencies such as the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and the New York State Department of Health, and national entities including the United States Department of Education and the Administration for Community Living. The council interfaces with consumer-controlled Centers for Independent Living, disability advocacy organizations, and elected officials in Albany, New York and across New York (state).

History

The council traces roots to amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the emergence of the Independent living movement in the 1970s and 1980s, influenced by activists and organizations like Justin Dart Jr. and the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities. Early milestones include coordination with the Independent Living Centers network and engagement during legislative debates over the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and subsequent reauthorizations. The council has navigated policy shifts during administrations such as the Clinton administration and Obama administration, and responded to state-level initiatives under governors including Mario Cuomo, George Pataki, and Andrew Cuomo.

Mission and Functions

The council's mission centers on promoting independent living and ensuring consumer-directed services through collaboration with Centers for Independent Living, Vocational Rehabilitation, and agencies administering programs under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Its functions include developing a statewide plan for independent living, advising the New York State Legislature and executive agencies, and monitoring the quality of services funded by the United States Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services programs. The council also liaises with national networks such as the Independent Living Research Utilization and the National Council on Independent Living.

Governance and Membership

Governance follows federal requirements for consumer-majority boards established in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 amendments, with membership drawn from leaders of Centers for Independent Living, advocates from organizations like Disability Rights New York, representatives from state agencies, and appointed consumer members. Appointments often involve the Governor of New York and confirmation processes tied to state statutes. The council operates committees analogous to parliamentary structures used by bodies like the New York State Assembly and consults with legal entities including the New York State Bar Association on governance and compliance.

Programs and Services

The council supports programming connected to employment transitions coordinated with New York State Education Department initiatives, peer counseling aligned with practices from Centers for Independent Living, and statewide outreach modeled after projects funded by the Administration for Community Living. It facilitates training in areas intersecting with Social Security Administration processes, Medicaid (United States), and community-based long-term services and supports promoted by entities such as the Kessler Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The council also fosters partnerships for disaster preparedness reflecting guidance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and public health planning involving the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Funding and Partnerships

Funding streams include federal grants authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, state allocations through the New York State Division of the Budget, and collaborative grants with foundations like the Ford Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The council partners with service providers including Centers for Independent Living, statewide advocacy organizations such as Paralyzed Veterans of America and The Arc of the United States, and academic partners from institutions like SUNY campuses and Columbia University for research and evaluation. It engages with statewide coalitions that include Metropolitan Transportation Authority stakeholders and housing advocates tied to New York State Homes and Community Renewal.

Advocacy and Policy Impact

The council has influenced state policy on Medicaid waivers, community-based services, and accessibility standards, interacting with legislative efforts in the New York State Legislature and federal rulemaking at agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services. It contributes to public comment on rulemaking associated with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 amendments, collaborates with civil rights organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union on systemic issues, and supports litigation and policy campaigns alongside groups like Disability Rights Advocates and National Disability Rights Network to advance enforcement of civil rights for people with disabilities.

Category:Disability organizations based in New York Category:Independent living movement