Who We Are

Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL) is a regional advocacy, service, and program provider for individuals with mental, physical, sensory, intellectual or developmental disabilities. Its purpose focuses on ensuring those individuals with disabilities have the capability to live life as they choose, free from institutional care and restrictive environments. This is achieved by WNYIL’s commitment to practicing the principles of education, empowerment, and equality for all persons with disabilities.

The organization began in 1979 as “The Independents,” a group of students with disabilities from the University at Buffalo, who were fighting for access and breaking down discrimination against those with disabilities. This group quickly began the Western New York Independent Living Project, received a Federal Title VII grant, and opened its own facility.

The organization has since grown into a family of agencies, which include: the Independent Living Center of Erie County, Independent Living of the Genesee Region, Independent Living of Niagara County, Mental Health PEER Connection, Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service, Parent to Parent of New York State and Young Leaders and Advocates Network.

All WNYIL affiliates and programs must align with its five core services: peer counseling, independent living skills, transitioning, advocacy, and information. Since its founding, WNYIL has evolved to become one of the strongest regional advocates and service providers for individuals with disabilities.

WNYIL is driven by its pillar messaging focused on peer-led, empowerment, inclusivity and advocacy.

Peer-led

WNYIL differentiates itself from other nonprofits and service providers because of its peer-led philosophy and approach. A majority of the organization’s staff and leadership is comprised of individuals with disabilities, many of whom have utilized WNYIL’s services and programs themselves. This peer-led approach leads to deeper, more meaningful connections between providers and consumers, who receive education, support and services from individuals who have faced the same challenges they currently face.

Empowerment

WNYIL’s mission is to improve the quality of life for those with disabilities. This includes a wide range of services and supports, from its transportation services to home and independent living support to political and civil rights advocacy. WNYIL is the only organization whose sole purpose is ensuring people with disabilities can live independently – free from institutional care and restrictive environments. This is essential for empowering individuals with disabilities to remain independently living, working and thriving in the communities of their choice.

Inclusivity

Many nonprofits and competitors focus their services on a specific type or range of disabilities (i.e., autism, deaf, blind). By contrast, WNYIL ensures care for individuals with any type of disability: mental, physical, sensory, or developmental. The organization’s message is one of freedom, inclusion, and care for those with disabilities. As such, WNYIL is praised by consumers for being available to understand and assist with all types of disability issues.

Advocacy

Advocating for the political and civil rights of people with disabilities has been central to WNYIL since its origins. The organization has always aimed to ensure those with disabilities are never discriminated against and are always afforded the same opportunities as other citizens. This aspect of the organization is another key way in which it is differentiated from peer program and service providers, as it remains constantly active in fighting for societal inclusion and equality for individuals with disabilities.