What are the opening hours?

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

Regional Center for Independent Living

Home
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).

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.]

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.]

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Regional Center for Independent Living posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Rochester?