Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council

05/28/2026

This major policy reversal around emotional support animals in subsidized housing is going to negatively impact the lives of countless citizens in our Commonwealth. Understanding what it really means is critical. Read the article below for more information.

For many disabled people, including veterans and survivors of trauma, emotional support animals are vital to managing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other disabilities so they can safely remain in their communities.

And for nearly two decades, under the Fair Housing Act and through guidance and enforcement from the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), disabled tenants were protected from being denied housing or charged extra fees because of their Emotional Support Animals (ESAs).

Now, HUD has abruptly reversed course and announced it will stop pursuing many ESA housing discrimination complaints.

The Fair Housing Act itself has not changed. Disabled people still have rights. But HUD has signaled it no longer intends to meaningfully enforce this law.

This policy shift could leave countless disabled renters more vulnerable to discrimination, housing instability, and displacement.

DREDF breaks down what changed, what protections still exist, and what tenants can do next.
Read more: https://dredf.org/huds-esa-policy-reversal/

05/27/2026

Language inclusive healthcare is a critical component in assuring a long healthy life for folks who are deaf and hard of hearing. Every appointment, every conversation, all the time.

A five-year initiative at Gallaudet University focused on improving cancer prevention for ASL users is coming to a close, with continued efforts aimed at expanding accessible, language-inclusive care.

The work underscores how communication access plays a key role in health outcomes.

Read more: https://gallaudet.edu/deafhealth/as-major-cancer-prevention-project-winds-down-centers-efforts-to-save-lives-ramp-up/

05/26/2026

Our partners in Erie will be busy during the month of June. See below for their activities calendar. If you're nearby, get involved!

🗓 With May nearly in the rearview, we're happy to present the VFI June 2026 Activities Calendars, featuring all activities through our group peer support programs in our Erie office! Check out the direct link below for a full-size image, to see what the Erie office has planned!

✅ Please note any RSVPs, office closings, and all additional info within the sidebar on the left.
• Large-format Image: https://www.vficil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/VFI-ERIE-JUNE-2026-ACTIVITIES-CALENDAR.png

📝 If you'd like a text-based version of the calendar, please contact [email protected] and we'll send one over in your preferred format (PDF, Word doc, etc). Hope to see you all soon!

05/21/2026

This Thursday, let's focus on the fact that people with disabilities often create our own solutions to everyday problems. What project have you completed using everyday items to achieve a goal that's important to you? What product or service fills a small gap and becomes a solution they really make your life better? Whether silly or sublime, show us what you've created or bought that makes your day better, and tell us what need an it addresses or problem it solves. If it is available for other people to buy, let us know where you found it.

Picture below is a drink holder made by a family member who would describe himself as a hobby engineer and fabricator. Drops into an existing bracket on a power wheelchair armrest and holds a variety of drinks at a height design specifically for the user.

05/20/2026

Summer may be coming, but today, many voters are thinking of the November general election. After yesterday's primary, we now know what candidates will be running and what races. The time to start informing yourself about who these candidates are is now. There will be a lake in the first comment to detailed election returns.

05/19/2026

It's primary election day! Make sure your vote counts.

05/18/2026

Saturday was a great day for taking a walk and building some real community. Staff member Jeff Iseman and board member Kim Edman represented PASILC at the 2026 Highmark Walk For A Healthy Community at Harrisburg Area Community College. The sun was shining brightly and people really got moving. It's still not too late to join this important fundraising effort. Picture below our photographs of the event.

05/13/2026

ABLE accounts can be an important tool to help people with disabilities plan for future expenses. Changes are coming to PA ABLE programming. These changes include lowered fees, more convenient mobile access, and slight changes in how investment options work. A link in the first comment will take you to the PA ABLE transition guide where you can view more detailed information for yourself. We have to be money smart to make smart money.

05/12/2026

There is one week until Pennsylvania's 2026 primary election. It's time to make a plan if you intend to vote. Being an informed voter means basing your decision on more than campaign commercials and sound bites. It can be challenging to navigate information in today's media landscape. A link in the first comment will take you to a recent article in the Pennsylvania Independent that lays out basic information on candidates and races. This is one place to gather more information to inform your vote. Using a variety of sources increases your knowledge and can make you any more confident participate at the ballot box. Remember, every vote matters.

05/11/2026

Pennsylvania Health Law Project is a great partner when it comes to staying informed about what the coming cuts to Medicaid might mean to you. Another informative webinar tomorrow at noon.

ICYMI! Join us tomorrow, May 12, at noon for Access at Risk: Navigating Care After Medicaid Cuts, a discussion with the Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP).
PHLP experts will break down changes to Medicaid, what to expect, and your rights if care is reduced or denied.

Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/access-at-risk-navigating-care-after-medicaid-cuts-a-discussion-with-phlp-tickets-1985174562556?aff=oddtdtcreator

[Image Description: Blue-and-white background with text "Access at Risk: Navigating Care After Medicaid Cuts, a Discussion with Pennsylvania Health Law Project. Tuesday, May 12, from 12–1 PM EST." Two speakers are pictured: Amy E. Lowenstein, Director of Policy and Supervisor Attorney, and Erin Guay, Co Executive Director. Logos for Access to Health Care for People with Disabilities and FISA Foundation appear at the bottom, noting this is part of the “Breaking Barriers” webinar series.]