Northeast Independent Living Program

NILP is on a variety of social media platforms. Find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Find us and like us on each of these platforms by searching for NILP or Northeast Independent Living Program. We'll see you there!

Please make note that NILP will be closed on Friday, June 19th, in honor of Juneteenth National Independence Day. We will be back open on Monday, June 22nd, for our regular business hours of 9 am to 5 pm ET. Please visit us at www.nilp.org

Ready for a resource about the "Accessibility of Sidewalk Dining, Retail, and Community Spaces?" This fact sheet gives an overview of how outdoor accessibility for people with disabilities is important for health, safety, and creating a sense of community. Visit the ADA National Network page to learn more about this topic here: https://adata.org/factsheet/accessibility-sidewalk-spaces?fbclid=IwY2xjawSg3rNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjQ3UwdGxsZEFrN0UydFlpc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhPj44hmqiQf33rqZSw_cQtrewINTGbWgOzEaYdV3R8uhkiMSiQPHP9CwszV_aem_ifGIhY72LMQAGyA3mk3ewA

From the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD): You are invited to a virtual screening of "On the Moov" with AAPD's 2025 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award Recipient and founder of the Moov organization, Fabilola Amaya. This documentary focuses on the movement for accessibility in higher education. The virtual screening will take place on Zoom on June 25th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm EDT. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScr7vzVRL2QmUaUC7DVF8XBEkd_mVk3L_H9Yig-fj_j--bzaw/viewform

If you are a Massachusetts resident, the Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council (MASILC) wants to know what is more important to people with disabilities, their families, and their communities. Your answers will help set the direction of the next State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). MASILC wants to hear from you! Please share your thoughts in any (or all!) of the below ways by scanning the QR codes on the flyer:
~Fill out the Needs Assessment Survey
~Fill out a postcard (3 question survey)

Aging is a part of life, but you don't have to tackle the next steps alone! Learn how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can help you as you age by reading the ADA National Network fact sheet on Aging and the ADA here: https://adata.org/factsheet/aging-and-ada?fbclid=IwY2xjawSedb1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzSlpFRDZESEhjUkdMM0hTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgXHT6SxFvNq094-fkLoThA32OSp5UXdkoNwXMKhwnjh_Amv29Rh6jauvetH_aem_57oj2bWs75AzPldMSZYxVg

The Massachusetts Legislature just passed legislation establishing a statewide "blue envelope" program, giving motorists with autism spectrum disorder a simple, recognizable way to alert police officers to their diagnosis and help guide the interaction before it escalates. Having been passed by both branches, this bill will now go to the Governor's desk for her signature. Read more at: https://malegislature.gov/PressRoom/Detail?pressReleaseId=1411

An Act Dignifying Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities - which updates outdated, offensive language in Massachusetts General Laws - has been signed into law by Governor Maura Healey. This new law reflects our state's commitment to inclusivity and dignity, making sure every resident feels represented and respected by the very rules that govern our Commonwealth.

A wheelchair is not a luxury. It is how people get to work, attend school, care for their families, and participate in their communities. No one should lose their independence, health, employment, or community connection because they are waiting for a wheelchair repair. Read the article about Massachusetts wheelchair users waiting months for simple repairs as follows: https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2026-06-15/mass-wheelchair-users-wait-months-for-simple-repairs-critics-say-private-equity-is-to-blame?fbclid=IwY2xjawSc_ZNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFuWUVRdDA3WDVPRGhCOW56c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp4U-qdFwfurpIBSzDB88AOs_JI191lZhQWqIaP2_CeRheQZiQ0ElDOKPCSU_aem_1ccX0uBW1tfADLDOHipTCA

Is it okay to ask about someone's disability? It depends on how, why, and whether the person is open to sharing. Respectful conversations build understanding, connection, and inclusion. Learn more by reading the Disability Belongs blog post here: https://www.disabilitybelongs.org/2026/06/respectful-conversations-around-disability-guide/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSZM4FleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFMNFFDeE14Z3I3UFd1ekpsc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHs2aqs6QDfeIIs6P2tlaI-isUJXayVy4wy6i1Fnhlrt06Qe620T0CDJYFtsW_aem_EhnXaEkR18ICdpjpLFjnKQ