Center for Independence of the Disabled New York

08/25/2026

In case you missed it! Check out this article from Able Newspaper about our ADA event in July. We've got a lot of work to do! Will you join us?

While the Americans with Disabilities Act has protected the civil rights of people with disabilities since it was signed into law more than three decades ago, advocates said at a recent New York City event marking the act’s 36th anniversary that the landmark legislation is under threat now more th...

08/24/2026

Looking for something to do? The SVA Theater (333 West 23 Street, New York, NY 10011) is hosting a “Disability & Visibility” Screening and Q&A this September.

More information and ticket information can be found at https://svatheatre.com/events/disability-visibility-screening-and-qa-2/

08/19/2026

Do you have a few minutes to help with the 2026 DRNY Community Voices Project survey? The is designed to gather feedback from people with disabilities, caregivers, family members, professionals, advocates, and allies throughout New York State. The information collected will help inform recommendations submitted to Disability Rights New York (DRNY) regarding its advocacy priorities.

You can take the survey here:

Thank you for participating in the DRNY Community Voices Project 2026, hosted by N’Clusive Disability Consulting, LLC. This survey is designed to gather feedback from people with disabilities, caregivers, family members, professionals, advocates, and allies throughout New York State. The informati...

08/17/2026

CIDNY's Dr. Sharon McLennon Wier recently spoke with the Queens Chronicle about the recent transit elevator settlement. It's a move forward and CIDNY will continue to move forward to help ensure NYC, transit and otherwise, is accessible to everyone. What do you think?

After nearly a decade in court, through three different MTA chairmen, lawyers for disability activists said they reached a deal last week that would end a federal lawsuit against the

08/13/2026

The New York State Independent Living Council, Inc. wants to hear from you! The statewide needs assessment helps us know what matters to disabled New Yorkers. Your answers tell the Independent Living Network what you need and how we can improve independent living services statewide. The deadline is this Saturday, August 15.

Can you spare a few minutes to complete the survey at the link below and help support independent living throughout New York?

Complete the survey using this link:

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

08/12/2026

Our August CAN meeting is in one week!

Join us on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 4 p.m. for CIDNY's August Consumer Action Network (CAN) meeting. We will be discussing accessible transportation options and discount programs with Access-A-Ride, Reduced Fare, Fair Fares, and the Individual Disability Exemption Plan (IDEP). We will also provide one-on-one meetings in person with benefits counselors for enrollment of the programs.

What: CIDNY’s CAN Meeting
When: Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: CIDNY Manhattan (1010 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10018) and Zoom
RSVP: https://www.tinyurl.com/CIDNY4All

This event is hybrid with options to attend in-person at CIDNY's Manhattan office or online via Zoom.

If you would like to apply for any of the above transit programs, you will need to bring the following:

For any program:
• Copy of a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, IDNYC, or state ID).

For AAR or Reduced Fare:
• Medical certification filled out and signed by a licensed physician/health care provider, or proof of receiving Medicare (non-age-based) or SSI for a serious mental illness.
• Provide a passport-type photo (1 ½” x 2”) with this application. Write your name on the back of the photo and attach it where indicated on the front of this application. You are responsible for any fees for obtaining a passport photo.

For Fair Fares:
• Proof of income: Recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit award letters (such as cash assistance or SNAP details) showing household income guidelines.
• Proof of NYC residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or rent bill dated within the last 90 days.

For IDEP:
• Valid NY EZPass account.
• Access-A-Ride ID or Parking Permit for People with Disabilities (PPPD).

Please RSVP in advance at https://www.tinyurl.com/CIDNY4All or by emailing Mbacke Thiam at [email protected].

If you need accommodation like large print, American Sign Language (ASL), or materials in other languages, please let us know as soon as possible and at least two weeks in advance. For more information, please call 212-674-2300.

08/11/2026

CIDNY is offering no-cost workshops catered to people with disabilities to find employment and overcome barriers. Weekly interactive workshops will include: current job market, vocational skills, resume writing, interview preparation, mock interviews, job coaching, technology in the workplace, advocacy and reasonable accommodations/legal rights, and more. Upcoming August workshop dates include Thursdays, 8/13, 8/20, and 8/27.

RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/LXiN9bmbsq

08/10/2026

Did you miss our ADA celebration during our July CAN meeting? You’re in luck! You can check out some coverage of the event from in the link below. Our next CAN event is on Wednesday, August 19. Sign up for our email list in the comments so you never miss an event!

Disability advocates and political leaders celebrated the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and its progress, while also sharing their plans for

08/07/2026

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Susan Dooha, who had previously served as CIDNY’s Executive Director for 19 years. Susan's leadership, unwavering advocacy, and deep commitment to disability rights helped shape our organization and strengthen the disability community across New York.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Susan's family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. We are profoundly grateful for Susan's extraordinary contributions to CIDNY and to the disability rights movement. Her legacy will continue to inspire our work, and she will be deeply missed.

08/07/2026

CIDNY's Dr. Sharon McLennon Wier recently spoke with The Capitol Pressroom regarding legislation about panic buttons for social workers and more. Listen to the full interview at the link below.

Legislation awaiting the governor's signature would require municipal social workers have panic buttons when making a home visit.