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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Regional Center for Independent Living

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United States
Rochester, NY
Regional Center for Independent Living

Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to self-advocate, to live independently and to enhance the quality of community life.

Our services and programs are primarily of an advocacy nature (both individual and systems).

02/16/2026

Happy Presidents' Day from the Center for Disability Rights and the Regional Center for Independent Living.

Today, we recognize the Presidents whose leadership helped shape major milestones in disability rights, from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s lived experience as a Disabled leader, to George H. W. Bush signing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to Barack Obama strengthening those protections through the ADA Amendments Act. Their contributions helped move our nation toward greater access, equity, and inclusion for Disabled Americans, and we remain committed to advancing that work every day.

[ID: A close-up of the American flag fills the background, showing flowing red and white stripes and a section of blue with white stars. In the lower right corner, bold black text reads “Happy Presidents Day.” Centered beneath the flag are two organizational logos: one for the Center for Disability Rights and one for the Regional Center for Independent Living.]

02/02/2026

After snowstorms, our community faces the same dangerous and unacceptable situation: sidewalks left unplowed, curb cuts buried under snow, and pedestrian islands blocked by snowbanks. These conditions leave Disabled residents without safe, accessible ways to move through their own neighborhoods. This is a clear threat to independence, mobility, and basic community inclusion.

Plowing streets isn’t enough. The City of Rochester needs to prioritize ALL areas, including sidewalks, curb cuts, and pedestrian crossings. When snow gets plowed off streets and left to pile up on walkways, it creates barriers that trap people in their homes and neighborhoods. Complete snow removal means accessible routes for everyone, not just cars.

If you’ve encountered blocked sidewalks, unsafe crossings, or other winter accessibility barriers, share your photos and tag the City of Rochester. Your documentation helps us advocate for real, long-overdue change.

[ID: The image shows a person lying face down in the snow beside an overturned wheelchair on a snow‑covered street. A vehicle is visible in the background. At the top of the image, large white text reads “WHEELCHAIRS ARE NOT SNOWMOBILES.” Along the bottom, two logos appear: the RCIL logo on the left and the CDR logo on the right, each accompanied by the words “INTEGRATION, INDEPENDENCE, CIVIL RIGHTS.” The overall composition highlights the dangers wheelchair users face in snowy conditions and underscores the need for accessible winter infrastructure.]

02/02/2026

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the resilience, brilliance, and lasting impact of Black leaders and communities.

The fight for equality and justice within Black history has also shaped Disability rights and independent living movements, grounding the work we continue today. We honor the advocates whose leadership opened doors and whose legacy drives our commitment to advancing access, choice, and independence for all.

[ID: The graphic features the words “BLACK HISTORY MONTH” in large, bold white letters centered over horizontal stripes in red, yellow, white, and green. Beneath the title, “FEBRUARY” appears in green capital letters. At the bottom of the image, the RCIL logo is positioned on the left, and the CDR logo is placed on the right. The overall design is bold and celebratory, emphasizing the significance of Black History Month.]

01/28/2026

Nothing About Us, Without Us!

Join us on February 9, 2026, for NYAIL’s Budget Advocacy Day in Albany, NY, to meet with legislators and advocate for disability rights.

When decisions are made about us, we need to be in the room.

Disability rights advocates from all over New York State are coming together to take a stand and speak out for accessibility, independence, and autonomy of people with disabilities. This is the time to make our voices heard on issues impacting our community and services.

Be there with us, your voice matters. This is how change happens. Do not miss this opportunity to make a difference. Because nothing about us should happen without us!

📍 Location: The Well inside the Legislative Office Building, 198 State St, Albany, NY, US, 12207
🕰 Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Please register with NYAIL: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx...

[ID: A bold, high-contrast graphic promoting an upcoming advocacy event. The background is a deep blue with two large hexagon shapes placed on either side. The left hexagon contains a photo of the New York State Capitol. The right hexagon features NYAIL's logo of a White figure with a house with three colors: right: yellow, left: teal, top: light blue. Centered between the hexagons is large white text that reads: “2026 BUDGET ADVOCACY DAY.” Beneath that, in slightly smaller text, is the slogan: “NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US!” At the bottom, the date is clearly displayed: “FEBRUARY 9, 2026.” The overall tone is assertive and civic-minded, emphasizing disabled-led participation in budget advocacy.]

01/26/2026

After a storm like yesterday, it is important to remember the role snow removal plays in keeping our communities accessible.

Snow and ice can create barriers for people with a wide range of disabilities, making it harder to safely navigate sidewalks, entrances, and public spaces.

As a community, we all have a responsibility to help. Clearing paths, ramps, stairs, and entrances ensures our streets, buildings, and neighborhoods remain safe, welcoming, and accessible for everyone.

01/23/2026

This weekend, we’re preparing for a possible winter storm with heavy snow and ice. The Center for Disability Rights and the Regional Center for Independent Living want to make sure you and your loved ones stay safe and warm.

Remember to check on your disabled neighbors, friends, and anyone you know who may need extra support during the storm. Community care keeps us all safe. 💙

Here are some tips to help you get ready, along with additional resources from the New York State Department of Health and Transportation:
https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/weather/cold/
https://www.ny.gov/programs/safe-winter-driving

[ID: A winter-themed public service announcement titled “6 Winter Storm Tips” is divided into two sections. On the left, six safety tips appear in bold white text inside black boxes: “Stay safe and avoid travel if you can,” “Keep medicine and equipment accessible,” “Stock up on easy food, drinks, and a first aid kit,” “Charge all electronic devices,” “Stay Warm & layer up,” and “Check on your Disabled Neighbors and friends.” On the right, a photograph shows a snow-covered urban walkway lined with benches and streetlamps, with buildings in the background. The snowy scene reinforces the urgency of the guidance. In the bottom right corner, the logos for the Center for Disability Rights (CDR) and the Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) are displayed.]

01/19/2026

Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his courageous fight for justice and equality. A legacy that continues to inspire our work at the Center for Disability Rights and the Reginal Center for Independent Living. His vision helped shape the disability rights movement rights as we know it today, and we are deeply grateful for his unwavering commitment to justice.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”— Martin Luther King, Jr.

RCIL & CDR are closed today.

[ID: Poster for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. At the top, three brown stars appear above the brown text “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.” A stylized portrait of Martin Luther King, Jr. is centered, with a faded crowd at the Lincoln Memorial behind him. Below is the quote in brown text: “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” with his name underneath. At the bottom are the logos for the Regional Center for Independent Living and the Center for Disability Rights.]

01/16/2026

The Regional Center for Independent Living and Center for Disability Rights will be closed on 1/19 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Have a great weekend!

01/14/2026

As we start the new year, we’re taking a moment to highlight our Independent Living Services (ILS). ILS offers 9 services that support individuals with disabilities living independently. We provide a wide range of support for you or your loved ones, including employment services, Deaf services, and more! We empower individuals with disabilities to understand their rights, access, resources, and live independently in their communities confidently. Be on the lookout for more information on how ILS can benefit you or a loved one and discover countless ways we can support you in achieving your goals and living your best life!

01/02/2026

Happ New Year! 🎉

The Center for Disability Rights and Regional Center for Independent Living is excited to kick off the new year with open doors and a renewed commitment to serving our community! We're grateful for the opportunity to continue our mission of empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting independent living 🎊

As we embark on this fresh start, we wish you a year overflowing with triumphs, filled with moments of joy, and marked by unforgettable experiences that bring happiness to your heart. May this year bring new possibilities, growth, and positive transformations that enhance your life and the lives of those around you.

Here's to a fantastic year ahead! 🥳

[ID: A New Year graphic displays large gold balloon-style numbers reading “2026” centered on a light background. Above the numbers, the word “welcome” appears in a cursive font. Below, the text “HAPPY new year” in modern text. Gold confetti, curled ribbons, and starburst shapes are arranged around the central text. At the top of the image, two logos are present: the RCIL logo and the CDR logo.]

12/26/2025

Happy Kwanzaa to all who celebrate!

The Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) and the Center for Disability Rights (CDR) honor this season of reflection, community, and the seven principles that uplift unity, creativity, and collective empowerment. Wishing everyone a meaningful and joyful celebration.

[ID: A light beige background. The design includes several Kwanzaa symbols: a kinara with seven candles in red, black, and green, a wrapped gift, a red, black, and green sphere, ears of corn, and stalks of wheat. Text on the image reads: “Happy Kwanzaa” and, underneath, “Celebrating the spirit of unity, culture, and community.” At the bottom of the image are the CDR logo and the RCIL logo.]

12/24/2025

The Center for Disability Rights (CDR) and the Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) extend our warmest wishes for a peaceful and meaningful holiday season. We hope this time offers opportunities for connection, reflection, and time with loved ones.

Our offices will be closed on Christmas Day, December 25th, and will reopen on December 26th. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to continuing our work together in support of disability rights, independence, and community inclusion.

[ID: a light beige background. A stylized red Christmas tree with white swirls and stars is centered, topped with a yellow star. The main text reads, “May this Christmas season be a time of togetherness, love, and happiness for you and your family. MERRY Christmas FROM THE CDR & RCIL FAMILY.” Two logos appear at the bottom: the CDR logo and the RCIL logo.]

Address

497 State Street
Rochester, NY
14608

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.rcil.org/, https://linktr.ee/cdr_nys

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