Regional Center for Independent Living

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).

April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, a time to recognize the many people who live with limb loss and ...
04/03/2026

April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, a time to recognize the many people who live with limb loss and limb differences and the diverse experiences that shape their everyday lives.

Limb loss and limb differences can influence how a person approaches daily life, from mobility to accessing the prosthetics and resources that support their independence.

At the Center for Disability Rights and the Regional Center for Independent Living, we work alongside individuals to ensure they have access to the services, equipment, and accommodations that support their goals and honor their autonomy.



[ID: Beige graphic with an orange ribbon and the text “Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month,” with logos for the Regional Center for Independent Living and the Center for Disability Rights.]

April is Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month, recognizing people living with Parkinson's and the changes it brings to da...
04/02/2026

April is Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month, recognizing people living with Parkinson's and the changes it brings to daily life over time.

For many, Parkinson's may affect how a person moves, communicates, and completes everyday activities, which can shift what independence looks like and what supports are needed.

At the Center for Disability Rights and the Regional Center for Independent Living, we support individuals in connecting with services and navigating systems that help them maintain Independence in ways that work for them.



[ID: Beige graphic with a pink brain, gray ribbon, and red tulip, reading “April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month,” with the Regional Center for Independent Living and Center for Disability Rights logos at the bottom.]

Today, we honor autistic people by pushing for acceptance, accessibility, and real systems change, not just awareness.We...
04/02/2026

Today, we honor autistic people by pushing for acceptance, accessibility, and real systems change, not just awareness.

Wearing or representing the color blue today shows solidarity and amplifies the voices of the autistic community.

💙Autism affects 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the U.S.

💙 Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that shapes how people communicate, process information, and experience the world.

💙 People with autism should be fully respected and included in their communities, with opportunities to truly be themselves. Awareness and acceptance help build strong, community‑based support systems.

At CDR and RCIL, we fight for autonomy, communication access, and the right for autistic people to live self‑determined lives.



[ID: A World Autism Awareness Day graphic with a light blue background, colorful handprints across the top, and circular dot patterns in the corners. Centered text reads “APRIL 2ND WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY.” The RCIL logo is at the bottom left, and the CDR logo is at the bottom right.]

April is Deaf History Month, honoring Deaf culture, American Sign Language (ASL), and the leadership of the Deaf communi...
04/01/2026

April is Deaf History Month, honoring Deaf culture, American Sign Language (ASL), and the leadership of the Deaf community.

This month recognizes the importance of language access, cultural identity, and the ongoing work toward full inclusion in every space.

At the Center for Disability Rights and the Regional Center for Independent Living, we stand with the Deaf community in the fight for access, language equity, and self-determination. True inclusion means removing communication barriers and recognizing Deaf culture as a vital part of our communities.

Accessibility should never be an afterthought; it should be the standard.



[ID: A rectangular graphic with a bright blue background features large white text at the top that reads “Deaf History Month.” Below it, smaller yellow text says “April.” On the right side of the graphic is an illustrated brown girl wearing blue overalls with a yellow shirt, smiling and making the American Sign Language “I love you” hand sign. Along the bottom are two logos: one for the Regional Center for Independent Living and one for the Center for Disability Rights.]

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to move beyond awareness and into meaningful action.Awareness is only the beginn...
04/01/2026

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to move beyond awareness and into meaningful action.

Awareness is only the beginning. This month is a reminder to listen to autistic people, learn from lived experience, and stay focused on what access looks like in everyday life. It also means identifying barriers in schools, workplaces, healthcare, and community settings, and working with people to address them as they arise.

At the Center for Disability Rights and the Regional Center for Independent Living, we support people in navigating systems, connecting to services, and working through barriers that impact daily life. Autistic voices help guide how we understand and improve that work.

Inclusion is not a gesture; it is a responsibility.

Today, March 26th, is Purple Day! 💜💜 We are joining millions around the world to celebrate and spread awareness for thos...
03/26/2026

Today, March 26th, is Purple Day! 💜💜

We are joining millions around the world to celebrate and spread awareness for those affected by epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a neurological disability that affects the central nervous system, and seizures can impact anyone at any age. Wearing purple today raises visibility, end the stigma, and shows solidarity with the epilepsy community.



[ID: A graphic with a purple background features bold white text at the top that reads “March 26th” above a larger title, “Purple Day of Epilepsy.” Below the heading, smaller white text says, “On Purple Day, let’s come together to raise awareness, offer support, and stand united for individuals living with epilepsy.” The lower half of the graphic shows two illustrated hands gently holding a purple awareness ribbon with a small heart at its center. In the bottom‑right corner are the two standard logos used in your graphics: the Center for Disability Rights logo on the left and the Regional Center for Independent Living logo on the right.]

March 25th is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day!Cerebral Palsy is a lifelong motor disability that affects movement ...
03/25/2026

March 25th is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day!

Cerebral Palsy is a lifelong motor disability that affects movement and coordination, and over 1 million Americans live with CP.

The Center for Disability Rights and the Regional Center for Independent Living celebrate and honor the leadership and lived experiences of people with CP. We will always continue to fight for community living, autonomy, and the access people need to thrive.



[ID: A graphic with a white and light green background features a large green awareness ribbon made up of circular shapes in the center-right of the image. To the left, an illustrated person with light skin and brown hair uses a green walker, standing in a confident pose. At the top, bold green text reads “March 25” above the larger title “National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day.” In the bottom-right corner are two logos: one for the Regional Center for Independent Living and one for the Center for Disability Rights.]

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month! Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune Disorder that affects the central nervo...
03/24/2026

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month!

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune Disorder that affects the central nervous system, attacking the protective myelin around nerves in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Nearly 1 million adults in the United States are living with MS.

The Center for Disability Rights and the Regional Center for Independent Living stand with the MS community and continue to advocate for the support, dignity, and independence of all.



[ID: A rectangular graphic features bold text at the top reading “MARCH IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AWARENESS MONTH” in large orange and black lettering on a white background. Centered beneath the text are two organizational logos: the RCIL logo on the left and the CDR logo on the right. Along the right edge of the graphic, an orange multiple sclerosis awareness ribbon stands vertically, adding a bright visual accent to the layout.]

This week marks the first week of Keratoconus Awareness Week, observed March 23-29. Prevent Blindness created this new ...
03/23/2026

This week marks the first week of Keratoconus Awareness Week, observed March 23-29. Prevent Blindness created this new observance to highlight Keratoconus and the importance of early detection.

The Center for Disability Rights and the Regional Center for Independent Living want to help raise awareness and share accessible information about Keratoconus.

Keratoconus is an eye disease causing the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, leading to blurred or distorted vision. It’s mostly common in teenagers and adults in their 20s. While there is no cure, early detection and treatment can help preserve vision.

Prevent Blindness offers free resources to learn more about Keratoconus: https://preventblindness.org/keratoconus/



[ID: A rectangular awareness poster features a stylized green eye centered against layered green shapes. At the top, a black box with white text reads “KERATOCONUS AWARENESS WEEK” and “MARCH 23RD – 29TH.” Beneath the eye, a green box contains white text explaining that keratoconus affects the cornea, causing blurry or distorted vision, and that untreated cases can lead to visual impairment and legal blindness. Along the bottom edge are two organizational logos: the Center for Disability Rights (CDR) logo on the left and the Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) logo on the right.]

Equal work deserves equal pay.Subminimum Wage keeps Disabled individuals trapped in a box where their worth is questione...
03/20/2026

Equal work deserves equal pay.

Subminimum Wage keeps Disabled individuals trapped in a box where their worth is questioned, and their opportunities are limited before they even begin. That box was built on decades of bias, segregation, and lowered expectations. It tells Disabled people to be grateful for the little, even when they give more. Ending Subminimum Wage is how we finally break that box apart.



[ID: Informational graphic comparing labor laws for able-bodied versus disabled workers. Title at top center reads “WHY SUBMINIMUM WAGE MUST END?” in bold black text. Below, two columns are separated by a gray scales-of-justice icon and a bold “VS” label. Left column, titled “LABOR LAWS FOR ABLE-BODIED,” lists four points: minimum wage rates in New York regions; employer value; “honest pay for honest work” principle; and focus on strength. Right column, titled “LABOR LAWS FOR DISABLED,” lists four points: legal wages as low as $0.25/hour; employer perception as charity; stigma around disabled labor; and focus on weaknesses. At the bottom, a downward arrow points to the bold statement “EQUAL WORK DESERVES EQUAL PAY!” followed by the Regional Center for Independent Living logo.]

Happy St. Patrick's Day! 🍀🌈🪙Today and every day, CDR and RCIL celebrate the power of community, advocacy, and the ongoin...
03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick's Day! 🍀🌈🪙Today and every day, CDR and RCIL celebrate the power of community, advocacy, and the ongoing fight for disability rights and Independent Living.



[ID: A light beige St. Patrick’s Day graphic features a bright rainbow stretching across the center behind large green text that reads “Happy St. Patrick’s Day.” Green shamrocks, a green leprechaun hat with a brown band and gold buckle, and a black pot overflowing with gold coins surround the text. Along the bottom edge are two organizational logos: the Region Center for Independent Living logo on the left and the Center for Disability Rights logo on the right.]

🌼🌟 Spring Deaf/Hard of Hearing Career Day is Coming! 🌟🌼The Center for Disability Rights is excited to host our Spring De...
03/16/2026

🌼🌟 Spring Deaf/Hard of Hearing Career Day is Coming! 🌟🌼

The Center for Disability Rights is excited to host our Spring Deaf/Hard of Hearing Career Day on Friday, April 10th, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at 497 State Street, Rochester, NY!

We’re hiring for:
✔️ Support Service Providers (SSP)
✔️ Community Habilitation Specialists (ComHab)
✔️ Independent Living Specialist
✔️ And more open positions!

Bring your resume and spring into your future with us! 🌷

Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QSwMSQMlTiqO7RAxq--4RSNY52iTelPSALi_rd5mg7o/viewform?edit_requested=true&fbclid=IwY2xjawQlR61leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1aWpxS2dCR0ZzelRIMW1Sc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjHrAd2fjti1iPYArbTgIIECvogKBC1IkX4hda2Z6gE75G1miPS6Itpirq_S_aem_ICrRRJ6VuBEw6xKmhLAYiw

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register today!
💧 Refreshments and water will be provided.

We can’t wait to meet you! 💙💛



[ID: The flyer has a bright blue background with yellow and white floral accents and a butterfly to create a spring theme. At the top, the Center for Disability Rights logo is displayed. Below it, the large title reads “SPRING DEAF/HARD OF HEARING CAREER DAY.” The event information lists Friday, April 10th, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Center for Disability Rights, 497 State Street, Rochester, NY. A section labeled “Grow Your Career With Us!” lists available roles: Support Service Providers (SSP), Community Habilitation Specialists (ComHab), Independent Living Specialist, and other open positions. Additional text reads “Inclusive • Empowering • Community‑Driven” and encourages attendees to bring their résumés. A note at the bottom states that refreshments and water will be provided. A QR code appears in the lower right corner.]

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

https://linktr.ee/cdr_nys

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