It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Denise DiNoto, who dedicated a year of her beautiful life to serving as Executive Director of the New York State Independent Living Council, advancing our mission and inspiring countless lives. Prior to NYSILC she served as Program Manager for the Department of Health’s Disability & Health program and worked for 10 years at Consumer Directed Choices as an outreach specialist. In 2017, Denise received the Beacon Leadership Award from the Independent Living Center of Hudson Valley for lifetime efforts advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.
Denise found joy in life - she savored the company of her friends and family, traveled, and found delight in service to others. She was a stalwart advocate, telling her personal story with openness and intention to teach others about the injustices disabled people face and advance disability rights. She described herself as, “Advocate, Rotarian, Writer & Speaker who happens to be a chick in a chair.” She was known for reminding the world that she was “too sexy for a nursing home.” The Council had the privilege of knowing her. Denise will be missed and we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the community she cherished.
