Regional Center for Independent Living

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.]

12/15/2025

Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate!

The Center for Disability Rights (CDR) and the Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) wish you joy and peace during these eight nights, and inspiration toward a world where everyone can live with dignity, independence, and inclusion.

[ID: A celebratory Hanukkah graphic with a light blue background. At the top, large bold text reads “HAPPY HANUKKAH,” followed by “MAY YOUR DAYS BE FILLED WITH LIGHT AND JOY.” The bottom half features Hanukkah-themed decorations including blue and gold wrapped gifts with ribbons, glittery ornaments, dreidels with Hebrew letters, and Star of David symbols. At the bottom, the CDR logo is on the left and the RCIL logo is on the right.]

12/10/2025

Today is International Human Rights Day 🕊

Disability rights are human rights. At CDR & RCIL, we fight for equal treatment through independence, advocacy & accessibility. Together, we can build a world of belonging.



[ID: A graphic with a white background. At the very top is the Center for Disability Rights (CDR) logo on left and the Regional Center for Independence (RCIL) logo on the right. Centered below the logo, the word “Happy” appears in bold black text. Directly underneath, the phrase “International Human Rights Day” is written in bold orange text. Below that, “December 10” is displayed inside a solid black box with white text. The lower half of the image features a diverse group of illustrated people standing side by side.]

12/09/2025

As temperatures drop, daylight fades, and we enter the holiday season. Many people are beginning to feel the impact of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). At Center for Disability Rights (CDR) and Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL), we want you to know that what you're feeling is real, valid, and you are not alone.

While we are not mental health providers, we advocate for disability rights and highlight trusted resources for our community. If you or someone you know are experiencing symptoms of SAD, we encourage you to connect with a trusted mental health resource for support.

Here are a few places to start:

📞 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline — Dial or text 988 for 24/7 support
📖 Feeling SAD? | NIH News in Health — https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2024/11/feeling-sad
🌐 Rochester Community Resources — https://namiroc.org/resources/community-resources/

If you face barriers to accessing these resources or have questions, CDR and RCIL are here to advocate for you.



[ID: This graphic about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has a light blue background with white snowflakes. At the top center, the title in dark blue text reads: “What is SAD?”. Beneath it, a paragraph in dark blue text states: “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that cycles with seasons. It can occur any time but typically affects people during the winter.” In the center, an illustration shows a person sitting with knees drawn up under a dark cloud. On the left, the heading “Symptoms” in white text lists: appetite changes, loss of interest in hobbies or social activities, feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, irritability, and persistent sadness or emptiness. On the right, the heading “Treatment” in white text lists: medications, vitamin D supplements, psychotherapy, and light therapy. At the bottom left corner, the logos for Center for Disability Rights (CDR) and Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) appear.]

12/05/2025

As Older Driver Safety Awareness Week comes to a close, CDR and RCIL remains committed to empowering older drivers to make safe and smart choices. We strongly advocate for independence in the lives of our community members, as it's essential for their overall well-being and happiness.
The tips we are sharing today are designed to help you or your family members maintain independence behind the wheel while staying safe on the road. By following these simple practices, older drivers can continue to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of driving while minimizing risks. At CDR and RCIL, we want you to stay safe, feel confident, and remain independent on the road.

Here's a list of resources to explore:
GTSC Older Driver Safety Information – https://www.gtsc.ny.gov/older-driver-safety
AAA Senior Driver Safety & Mobility – https://seniordriving.aaa.com
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Older Adult Drivers – https://www.cdc.gov/olderdrivers
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Older Drivers – https://www.nhtsa.gov/older-drivers


[ID: At the top right corner of the graphic panel are two logos: one for the Center for Disability Rights (CDR) and one for the Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL). Below the logos is the title text “6 Tips for Older Driver Safety Awareness Week.” Under the title is a cartoon-style yellow car illustration. Beneath the illustration, six tips are listed in bold text: exercise for strength and flexibility, review prescriptions with your doctor, get your vision tested yearly, stick to daylight and good weather, choose safe and well-lit routes, and keep distance while avoiding distractions. To the left of the panel, the photo shows an older woman seated in the driver’s seat of a car. She is wearing a yellow coat and a seatbelt, smiling while facing forward.]

12/04/2025

Hello CDR and RCIL community,
Applications for the Home Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) opened December 1st and are currently available. HEAP can help eligible New Yorkers heat their homes. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and primary heating sources (Electricity, natural gas, oil, coal, propane, wood, kerosene, and corn). Households with young children, seniors, and disabled members may qualify as well.

Learn more and apply: ny.gov/heap

Find your local HEAP district contact: otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts

Questions about the program should be directed to your HEAP Local District Office.

[ID: informational graphic with a background gradient that transitions from white at the outer edges to yellow in the center. At the top, the logos of the Center for Disability Rights (CDR) and the Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) are displayed side by side. Below, large black text reads “HEAP Applications Are Open!” followed by black text stating “The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help eligible New Yorkers heat their homes.” A small model house wrapped in a yellow knitted scarf is centered in the middle of the graphic. Beneath the house is a yellow search bar element containing the text “ny.gov/heap.” At the bottom, smaller black text reads “This is a New York State program. Learn more at the HEAP webpage or contact your local district office.”]

12/02/2025

Hey! Did you know December 1–5 is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week? Getting older doesn’t mean it’s time to hang up the keys — it means staying safe behind the wheel.
Why it matters:
⭐ Safe driving helps older adults maintain independence
⭐ Ensures access to healthcare, work, and community without relying on others
⭐ Safety planning reduces risks and empowers safe choices
⭐Supporting older drivers strengthens families and communities

At CDR and RCIL, we work to ensure older consumers can protect their independence and access to community life.

📢 Be on the lookout for tips and resources throughout the week!
🔗 Get more details at NHTSA.gov/OlderDrivers



[ID: Promotional graphic for Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, scheduled for December 1–5, 2025. The background features a geometric pattern in shades of gray and white. At the top, bold white text reads: “Older Driver Safety Awareness Week December 1–5, 2025.” Below the text, three Polaroid-style photographs are taped to the background: one of an older woman smiling behind the wheel, one of an older man driving and giving a thumbs-up with a passenger beside him, and one of an older man driving with a cityscape visible through the window. In the bottom left corner is the Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) logo. In the bottom right corner is the Center for Disability Rights (CDR) logo.]

12/02/2025

Today is Giving Tuesday! We here at CDR and RCIL thank you for your support and donations you have given over the years. As we continue to build stronger advocacy, champion disability rights, and uphold independence, your generosity fuels our mission. Join us in shaping a future of inclusion — make a difference today!

Link to donate - https://cdrnys.org/donate/




[ID: Promotional flyer for Giving Tuesday. At the top, bold red uppercase text reads “GIVING TUESDAY.” Below, black paragraph text states: “Support CDR this giving Tuesday! We champion consumer control, integration, independence, and civil rights for the disability community. Your help fuels our growth as advocates and service providers. The future at the Center for Disability, Inc. and Regional Center for Independent Living, Inc. promises no dull moments — make a difference today!” A QR code is centered beneath the paragraph. In the lower section, two logos appear: the Center for Disability Rights logo in yellow and black, and the Regional Center for Independent Living logo in red and blue. Between the two logos is a red heart inside a brown square. At the bottom, black text reads: “SCAN QR CODE OR CLICK LINK ABOVE Donate Today!”]

11/26/2025

We at the Regional Center for Independent Living wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving! Our office will be closed on November 27 and 28 for the holiday and will reopen on Monday, December 1.

We’re grateful to our community. Thank you for being part of it! Have a great holiday!

[ID: A cream background. At the top center, the text reads “HAPPY” in orange bold uppercase letters, followed by “Thanksgiving” in a large orange cursive font. Below, smaller text says, “From the CDR & RCIL Family.” The border is decorated with orange, red, and brown autumn leaves and garlands. At the bottom, there are four pumpkins—two orange and two green, along with scattered leaves. Two logos appear above the pumpkins: on the left, the Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) logo with a blue star and red-and-blue text; on the right, the Center for Disability Rights (CDR) logo featuring a black torch and text that reads “Civil Rights,” “Integration,” and “Independence.”]

10/19/2024

You still have one more week left to register to vote in New York! If you haven't completed your registration yet, you can do so in person, by mail, or online at https://elections.ny.gov/voter-registration-process.

Your vote matters! Don't miss your chance to participate in this year's elections.

Be wary of text messages claiming to give information about your voter registration status. Always check with a trusted source, like the State or your County Board of Elections. 

10/18/2024

One more day to register for our Accessible Trunk or Treat at Innovative Field on October 25! Make sure to let us know you're coming at https://cdrnys.org/halloween/. What's your costume going to be this year? Let us know in the comments!



[Image description: A flyer with art of Halloween candy, fall leaves, and the logos for CDR & RCIL. The flyer reads: "Accessible Trunk or Treat. Free for all! October 25, 2024, 5:00-7:00PM. Low sensory experience: 4:30-5:00PM. Innovative Field, One Morrie Silver Way, Rochester, NY. Adult supervision is required. Please register by October 19th: www.cdrnys.org/halloween. Phone: (585) 546-7510."]