Resource Center for Independent Living

02/24/2026

Doing laundry is a task many people take for granted—but for individuals with disabilities, it can be a major barrier to independence. That’s why RCIL created a hands‑on Laundry Skills Program designed to make this important life skill accessible, supportive, and even fun. Offered through LIFE at RCIL and made possible through a grant from the The Community Foundation, this free community program gives participants the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to take charge of their own laundry routines with confidence. Throughout the year, our helpful team will be on site at a variety of laundromats in Herkimer County to provide laundry skills and supports lessons. Bring your own Laundry (BYOL), and we bring everything else! That's right. LIFE at RCIL will supply detergent, dryer sheets, laundry bags, hangers, and payment for laundering services. This program is open ALL people with any disability living in the community. Any self-disclosed disability makes you eligible for this fun, fresh, and FREE program. Read all about it here: https://www.rcil.com/news/building-everyday-confidence-rcils-free-laundry-skills-program/

Can't join us this round? Keep an eye out for us throughout Herkimer County! We'll be bringing this program to a laundromat near you soon! Questions? Reach LIFE at RCIL at 315-866-7245. See you there!

02/23/2026

Connected communities are stronger communities! Thanks for hosting, Connected Community Schools! LIFE at RCIL is proud to have played our part in such a great event.

02/23/2026

Mark your Calender for another squeaky-clean laundry day with LIFE at RCIL! Join us at the Colonial Laundromat (located at 59 Central Ave, Ilion, NY) on Tuesday, February 24th from 10am-2pm. Our helpful team will be on site to provide laundry skills and supports lessons.
Bring your own Laundry (BYOL), and we bring everything else!
That's right. LIFE at RCIL will supply detergent, dryer sheets, laundry bags, hangers, and payment for laundering services.
This program is open ALL people with any disability living in the community. Any self-disclosed disability makes you eligible for this fun, fresh, and FREE program. Can't join us this round? Keep an eye out for us throughout Herkimer County! We'll be bringing this program to a laundromat near you soon! Questions? Reach LIFE at RCIL at 315-866-7245. See you there!

02/19/2026

Small gestures can have big impact, especially when it comes to advocacy. RCIL is proud to be a source of support and empowerment for people with disabilities living in our community. Ready to amplify your voice? Check out our tips and tricks for effective advocacy here: https://www.rcil.com/news/how-to-advocate-for-disability-rights-in-your-community-2/
and reach out to RCIL to join our mission to create a barrier-free world for all!

02/12/2026

Independence isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It looks different for everyone because true independence is based on you, your goals, and your choices. Accessing supports, receiving services, or using assistive tech doesn’t compromise your independence. In fact, these important factors can be the key to unlocking independence. At RCIL, we are all about helping everyone live independently according to your definition of the word. Interested in learning more about independent living and how RCIL can help you reach your independence goals? Follow the link to our new article!
https://www.rcil.com/news/what-true-independence-looks-like-beyond-the-stereotypes/

02/11/2026

We're so proud of our team's advocacy work!

The dedicated team at the Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL) and the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program came by to discuss critical issues facing our nursing homes and long-term care facilities. A key focus was the outdated Personal Needs Allowance (PNA), which has not kept pace with inflation and the rising costs of everyday essentials.

Thank you to RCIL and the Ombudsman Program for your advocacy protecting vulnerable residents and ensuring their voices are heard. I'm committed to working with you to push for these much-needed reforms and support our aging population right here at home.

02/09/2026

Each year, the world recognizes the second Monday in February as International Epilepsy Day to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and empower those in our community living with epilepsy. RCIL is here to help you access what you need to live the life you choose, and we are proud to serve people with epilepsy. Interested in learning more about epilepsy and our supportive offerings? Follow the link to a full article on RCIL’s website for all the details as we come together to celebrate International Epilepsy Day and create a barrier-free world for all!
Read the full story here:
https://www.rcil.com/news/international-epilepsy-day-raising-awareness-reducing-stigma-and-supporting-independence/