Current News
NYSILC Seeking New Volunteer Council Members
The New York State Independent Living Council, Inc. (NYSILC) is seeking candidates to replace three outgoing council members. New council members will begin their three-year term in January 2026.
The primary responsibility of NYSILC is to develop and monitor the State Plan for Independent Living, which is the blueprint for the programs and services that help New Yorkers with disabilities live independent, integrated lives in the community. This is done jointly with the Federal network of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and the people with disabilities they serve.
NYSILC is comprised of 26 volunteer council members from across the state. NYSILC aims to be representative of New York’s population and seeks diverse membership, including individuals with various disabilities, races/ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, and gender identification, geographically located throughout the state.
Interested individuals should complete the online application form HERE by June 27, 2025. Refer to the NYSILC background and member expectations for more information.
If you have any questions about the application, process, or duties of council members, email Emily Bianchine-Cummings at
NYSILC Job Announcement – Executive Director
The New York State Independent Living Council, Inc. (NYSILC) is seeking an experienced and passionate individual with strong leadership skills to lead the Council. The Executive Director is responsible for facilitating and overseeing implementation of the federally required 3-year State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) process. NYSILC is a not-for-profit, non-governmental, consumer-controlled organization. The council is composed of 26 appointees from around the state, a majority of whom have disabilities, representing diverse cultures and needs in the state.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Under direction and supervision of the NYSILC Chair/Executive Committee, the Executive Director provides leadership, coordination, and administrative support to NYSILC and Committees of the
Council comprised primarily of volunteers, in accordance with the State Plan for
Independent Living. The Executive Director manages the day-to-day operations of the organization, serves as the public spokesperson for the organization, and represent the interests of persons who have a variety of disabilities in a statewide capacity. Key responsibilities include:
- Coordinate the day-to-day operations and management of the NYSILC office with 3 FTE current staff in Albany, NY.
- Provide leadership, direction, and guidance on the 3-year State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) process, which includes the plan’s formulation and development, monitoring, statewide consumer satisfaction survey, and statewide needs assessment.
- Manage the revenues, expenditures, and budget of the council per fiscal policies with support from a bookkeeper and Finance Committee.
- Facilitates agreements, coordinates and monitors work with the consultants, providing services to the council to achieve productive deliverables.
- Pursue resource development for the council with guidance of the Development Committee, staff and vendor(s).
- Act as a liaison with State agencies, partners, and stakeholders involved in issues and providing services to New Yorkers with disabilities.
- Ensure compliance with the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) Standards & Indicators (S & I’s).
- Coordinates and facilitates Council meetings, Committee meetings, and other meetings necessary to carry out the statutory responsibilities of the Council. NYSILC standing committees include: Executive, Finance, Development, Recruitment, Monitoring & Evaluation and the SPIL Committee.
- Responsible for the preparation and timely completion of all federal and state documents and reports on behalf of the council.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the council.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required, Master’s degree preferred.
- Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic credentials.
- Minimum of three years management experience in the nonprofit field required.
- Experience applying knowledge of State and Federal laws to administering disability related program outcomes focusing on supporting persons with disabilities living independently in the community.
- A working knowledge of the Rehabilitation Act as amended, preferred.
- Knowledge of how Councils work and their relationship with their State and federal level administrators.
- Experience working with not-for-profit boards of diverse organizations, including a firm understanding of the financial operations of a not-for-profit agency.
- Demonstrate strong leadership skills.
- Ability to work independently and to adapt to shifting priorities when necessary.
- Have excellent analytical, communication, and writing skills.
- Knowledge of the Independent Living movement, philosophy and practice, and a strong commitment to promote and advocate for the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
- Personal experience with disability strongly preferred.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary commensurate with experience and range limitations of council. The current salary for this position is in the $80,000-$90,000 range. NYSILC offers a generous benefit package including health insurance, retirement package, generous paid time off, parking and professional development support.
Location:
This is an Albany-based position with some hybrid work available. Occasional statewide and out-of-state travel necessary.
How to Apply:
Please send resume, cover letter and three references including at least two supervisors to
It is the policy of the New York State Independent Living Council to afford Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established by federal and state law. NYSILC promotes a drug-free work environment and does not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
NYSILC's March 2025 Full Council Meeting
NYSILC’s next Full Council Meeting will take place on Friday, March 28th, 2025 at the Albany Wolf Road Marriott from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm. The meeting will be held in person at the Marriott with remote participation via Zoom will be offered.
The meeting is open to the public, but due to security concerns using online video conferencing, we request that any members of the public who would like to participate virtually email us at
Additionally, please let us know by March 21st if you need an interpreter and/or captioner during the meeting by emailing us at
The agenda for the meeting will be available on the calendar/event webpage, which can be found here: https://nysilc.org/calendar/nysilcs-march-full-council-meeting
We look forward to having you join us either in person or virtually. Thank you!
Nomination Form Deadline Extended - NYSILC's Sixth Disability Rights Hall of Fame
The deadline for submitting your nomination(s) for the Sixth New York State Disability Rights Hall of Fame has been extended!
The deadline to submit is now Friday, January 31st, 2025!
Visit the link here to submit your nomination(s) on our google form: https://forms.gle/NVwP5Gx4w3J4LVkV7
To learn more about the Hall of Fame, the exciting updates coming to the event, or view past inductees, go to http://nysilc.org/hof.
NYSILC's November 2024 Full Council Meeting
NYSILC’s next Full Council Meeting will take place on Friday, November 15th, 2024 at the Albany Wolf Road Marriott from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm. The meeting will be held in person at the Marriott with remote participation via Zoom will be offered.
The meeting is open to the public, but due to security concerns using online video conferencing, we request that any members of the public who would like to participate virtually email us at
Additionally, please let us know by November 11th if you need an interpreter and/or captioner during the meeting by emailing us at
The agenda for the meeting will be available on the calendar/event webpage, which can be found here: https://nysilc.org/calendar/nysilc-november-2024-full-council-meeting
We look forward to having you join us either in person or virtually. Thank you!
NYSILC's September 2024 Full Council Meeting
NYSILC’s next Full Council Meeting will take place on Friday, September 27th, 2024 at the Albany Wolf Road Marriott from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm. The meeting will be held in person at the Marriott with remote participation via Zoom will be offered.
The meeting is open to the public, but due to security concerns using online video conferencing, we request that any members of the public who would like to participate virtually email us at
Additionally, please let us know by September 23rd if you need an interpreter and/or captioner during the meeting by emailing us at
The agenda for the meeting will be available on the calendar/event webpage, which can be found here: https://nysilc.org/calendar/nysilc-september-2024-full-council-meeting
We look forward to having you join us either in person or virtually. Thank you!