Some people leave footprints. Joe Bravo left a legacy. When Joe was just 12 years old, his life changed in an instant. One minute he was riding his bike on the streets of New York. The next, he was laying on the ground after being shot in the spine by someone with a rifle. As […]
Joe Bravo: A Story of a Life Well Lived
Recognizing WILC & PILS Team on Employee Appreciation Day
March 6: Employee Appreciation Day “Today we pause to recognize and appreciate the incredible staff at WILC and PILS. Thank you for the care, dedication, and heart you bring to the work every single day. The support you provide to the communities we serve makes a profound difference in people’s lives. Your commitment to service, […]
Access Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All: Disability, Equity & Inclusion in Everyday Systems
February is a month of reflection. It’s a time to honor history, recognize injustice, and imagine something better. As we observe Black History Month and World Day of Social Justice (February 20), we’re invited to reflect on how access actually works in everyday life. For people with disabilities, access is rarely a single hurdle. It […]
Reaching Your Potential in 2026: Setting Goals That Support Independence
The start of a new year is often framed as loud, celebratory, and full of promise. Fireworks. Confetti. Fresh starts. But as Anderson Cooper shared during this past New Year’s Eve broadcast, that moment doesn’t feel joyful for everyone. For many people, January arrives quietly, carrying grief, uncertainty, exhaustion, or complicated emotions about what’s been […]
Social Care Network
Are you or a family member enrolled in Medicaid? You may be eligible for new services through Hudson Valley’s Social Care Network. HOUSING SUPPORT Help with rent and utility payments Housing search In-home health and safety support FOOD & NUTRITION ASSISTANCE Healthy meals Cooking supplies Nutrition planning TRANSPORTATION Rides to non-medical appointments like job interviews, […]
Honoring Veteran Harold Payne: A Life of Service, Strength, and Independence
Today, on Veterans Day, we are honored to spotlight Korean War Veteran Harold Payne, an extraordinary member of our WILC community whose life story is as rich and inspiring as his 92 years of lived experience. Through WILC’s Veteran Directed Care program, Harold is able to maintain the independence he values so deeply, remaining in […]
Empowering Health: WILC’s New Diabetes Prevention Program Explained
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to share information and inspire action around preventing and managing diabetes. At WILC, our team is dedicated to helping people with disabilities access the tools and resources they need to lead healthier, more independent lives. In this special interview, Joan O’Brien, Outreach Specialist for NY Connects, and Aimee […]
Healthcare Quality and Disability: A Conversation with WILC Experts
October marks Healthcare Quality Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of safe, effective, and person-centered care. For people with disabilities, quality healthcare isn’t just about a doctor’s visit; it’s about access, communication, advocacy, and addressing the social factors that shape overall health. To explore these issues more deeply, we sat down with two […]
Back to School with Confidence: Expert Advice for Parents of Students with Disabilities
As a new school year approaches, many parents of children with disabilities find themselves asking: Is my child ready? There’s a lot to consider when preparing for a smooth, independent transition back to school. At the Westchester Independent Living Center, our team works year-round to support families in building confidence, skills, and independence for students […]
Batter’s Intervention Program
The Batter’s Intervention Program offers guidance to individuals that have been violent in their relationships. The curriculum helps individuals understand what is behind their abuse and how to change. Contact Gichel Walters, Director Minority Outreach and Re-Entry Programs, gwalters@wilc.org or call 914-682-3926 (voice), 914-259-8036 (VP).
The 2025 WILC Disability Pride Art Showcase
Welcome to the WILC 2025 Disability Pride Month Art Showcase celebrates the powerful voices, creativity, and resilience of individuals with disabilities in our community. Each piece a reflection of lived experience, and self-expression. Read Our Previous Blog: Art Without Limits: Celebrating Disability Through Creative Expression Join our Disability Pride Virtual Poetry Slam July 30: Voices […]
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Art Without Limits: Celebrating Disability Through Creative Expression
Creativity knows no bounds—more than just an outlet, it can be a form of communication, healing, self-determination, and advocacy. For many people with disabilities, art is a way to tell stories the world doesn’t always stop to hear. As a community at Westchester Independent Living Center, we know that self-expression through the arts is a […]
Resource Guide: At-Home Activities for Students with Autism
Looking for engaging, sensory-friendly, and skill-building activities for your child with autism? WILC has curated a free downloadable resource packed with 20+ pages of fun and purposeful at-home options—from classic board games and calming sensory ideas to screen-based favorites like Minecraft, Animal Crossing, and educational apps like Zoombinis. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, […]
Beyond the Ramp: What Accessibility Really Means in 2025
At Westchester Independent Living Center, accessibility is more than a concept—it’s a lived reality, a daily mission, and a call to action. “Accessibility removes barriers and unlocks the possible.” That’s the rallying call behind Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)—a global initiative to get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion. For GAAD, […]
WILC Joins Call to Protect Medicaid Access in New York
On Wednesday, April 17, Westchester Independent Living Center joined elected officials, community advocates, and partner organizations in speaking out against proposed federal changes that could significantly impact Medicaid funding and access across New York. The event, held at Helen Hayes Hospital in West Havershaw, featured remarks from U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who warned […]
From a Parent’s Heart: Honest Reflections on Raising Autistic Children from WILC/PILS Team Members
April is Autism Awareness Month—a time to elevate understanding and celebrate neurodiversity. At WILC and PILS, some of our team members bring not only professional expertise, but personal experience as parents of autistic children. Here, they share heartfelt reflections on what parenting on the spectrum has taught them. To explore upcoming programs, workshops, and helpful […]
ACTION ALERT: Ask Secretary Kennedy and Congress to Protect ACL Programs
We need your help to protect vital services for people with disabilities and older adults. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) was created in response to the disability community’s efforts to improve services and supports, mitigate fragmentation, and increase coordination between programs. Now, efforts to dismantle ACL could undermine these critical services, putting many at […]
Accessibility in Love: Romance and the Realities of Living with a Disability
Love is universal, but people with disabilities are often left out of conversations about love, intimacy and relationships. The truth is, people with disabilities experience love, intimacy, and romance just like anyone else—but the lack of visibility and inclusion around these topics perpetuates harmful stereotypes, while societal stigmas often add barriers to an already complex […]
Disability and Poverty: Breaking the Cycle Through Advocacy and Opportunity
January is Poverty Awareness Month, an important opportunity to spotlight the often-overlooked intersection of poverty and disability. For individuals with disabilities, the cycle of poverty is a dual challenge—both a cause and a consequence of systemic exclusion, limited resources, and barriers to education and employment. As a peer-driven, community-based organization that empowers people with disabilities […]