Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL) and its regional offices will host three Meet the Candidates Day events in October, giving community members opportunities to hear from candidates running for political office and speak directly with them about issues affecting people with disabilities and others throughout Western New York.
Events will be held in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Batavia and will provide participants with opportunities to ask questions and share the policies and priorities they believe can improve independence, accessibility, opportunity, and quality of life in their communities.
Meet the Candidates Day is designed to give community members a direct opportunity to engage with candidates and raise the issues that matter to them. WNYIL encourages residents throughout the region to participate and make their voices heard.
“Meet the Candidates Day creates an important two-way conversation that strengthens our democracy,” said Stephanie Orlando, CEO of WNYIL. “It gives voters the information they need to make informed decisions and ensures candidates hear directly from people with disabilities about the issues that shape their independence, access, and quality of life.”
The events will be available both in person and virtually via Zoom and will also be livestreamed on WNYIL’s YouTube channel a. Registration is required for both in-person and Zoom attendance.
List of Events:
What: Buffalo’s Meet the Candidates Day
When: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 2:00–5:00 p.m.
Where: WNY Independent Living Center at the Job Club, 3108 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14214
To register or for more information, contact Emilia Taylor-Sweet at (716) 836-0822, x152.
What: Niagara Falls Meet the Candidates Day
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 1:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Where: Independent Living of Niagara County, 746 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14301
To register or for more information, contact John Mancuso at (716) 284-4131, ext. 200.
What: Batavia’s Meet the Candidates Day
When: Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Where: Independent Living of the Genesee Region, 319 W. Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020
To register or for more information, contact Rae Frank at (585) 815-8501, ext. 406 or rfrank@wnyil.org.