It is an honor and a privilege to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC).
Prior to my role with NYSILC, I served with the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of New York State (CDPAANYS), Consumer Directed Action of New York, and the Alliance to Protect Home Care for 13 years, most recently as Director of Operations. In this capacity, I worked with consumers and other stakeholders to expand and protect community-based services through grassroots and state level lobbying, coalition building, and education. I also developed and oversaw a statewide peer mentoring program that successfully served thousands of consumers and personal assistants.
My lived experience is that of a transracial adoptee with an invisible disability. Thanks to the support of peers in my community, I learned to advocate – for myself, as well as for others. I credit much of my personal and professional growth to the availability of these peer-led spaces.
I am excited to work closely with the Council and our stakeholder network to continue learning and to further its goals of empowerment, advocacy, and leadership across the disability community.
--Laura Cardwell