RCIL Expanding On-Line Presence

Just wanted you to know the Resource Center for Independent Living of Utica, NY, is spreading its mission and vision via multiple on-line modes. RCIL is now on Facebook just hitting the one hundred member milestone. It also has an Advocacy Blog site and recently established a YouTube presence with a little video contest to promote some images meaningful to the cause of independent living.
RCIL has many other projects on the drawing board inclusive of continuing to advocated for an integrated services bill in the NYS legislature, expanding services in the community to support independent living, as well as plans to assist disadvantaged youth.
You can reach all the sites through the RCIL link found in the right column on this blog.

Facebook Creating Cause Allies

It is a real phenomenon among the on-line world today and for that matter in any media. Facebook began as a social networking site, yet has certainly become so much more. I am a member of the National Brain Injury Foundation, a group dedicated to providing social support systems, awareness, and education for and about those with acquired brain injuries.
There is the connected blog you find on this blogsite and now a Facebook site with over 300 members from all over the country. This was a means for the members here in Upstate, NY (Utica) to spread our ideas,plams and goals not just in the USA really, but worldwide - amazing.
A Facebook Causes page has also been created. Please check these all out by connecting through the NBIF link on this site...
More to come as NBIF transforms into a source for changing the lives of those with brain injuries, their families, and friends

Stimulus Package

All in the community that supports causes for those with disabilities should carefully review the data coming from Washington re the Stimulus Package. There is much funding for expanded coverage for medical care, as well as for special education, and employment initiatives through the Workforce Investment Board and Independent Living Centers.

It' s 2009 and Let's Move Forward

The new President is about to be inaugurated. The future is at hand. His plan to stimulate the economy through improving the country's infrastructure, looking at new sources of energy, and providing healthcare for all, with job creation as a core by-product gives us much hope.

His talent for bringing together persons of all races, religions, and abilities is something the country sorely needs in these uncertain times.

The disability community and its supporters should fare well in under the Obama Administration. We look ahead to new programs and opportunities for those with disabilities. The returning veterans who have suffered injuries both seen and unseen will be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve via a variety of services and assistance.

Happy New Year and Happy New Era in American history.

What is most important to you?

I would like to pose a question to our readers. What is currently most important to you?
I am interested in seeing whether the answers are personal, regarding your own situation or aspirations, or whether it is something you believe in, or wish for, to raise the status of others.
Maybe you might say that the two are interrelated, you cannot pursue one without improving the other.
Please voice your opinion or ideas no matter what they maybe. Everyone has something of value to share... Let us hear from YOU..

Integrated Services Legislation

In NYS the Independent Living Center I work for promoted legislation to create integrated services at any and every service and venue for persons with disabilities. The point is there can be no bias toward the "typical" mode of operating by any provider, institution, or government service. This passed both the the Senate and Assembly in NY (A7277). The Governor vetoed the bill ostensibly because he stated it would be costly for taxpayers. This was despite our examples of how it would actually save taxpayers millions by providing the option for community based services vs nursing home placement, competitive employment vs. sheltered workshops, etc. There are of course many foes such as unions, nursing home associations, etc. We have met with legal sources and politicians who favor our cause and vow to continue this important, ground breaking effort in the New Year. This is much broader than the currently pending national legislation known as the Community Choice Act. Watch for future developements, read the bill, and support change of this sort throughout your own States, our country, and other countries across the globe...

Our New President

As far as I have read the incoming Administration of Obama and Biden will be favorable to the causes and rights of persons with disabilities. Their platform indicates the new President will immediately sign Restoration of the ADA act legislation that has passed both the House and Senate. They also favor the Community Choice Act which essentially promotes full integration of disabled persons in residential options, job opportunities, etc. It appears the lives of persons with disabilities are about to change for the better..
If anyone has a different take or more info. please let us know..
Thanks