Welcome Letter

We would like to invite you to become a member at NRCIL!

You might ask – Why would anyone want to be a member at NRCIL?

Well, NRCIL is the only local organization actively advocating with an on behalf of people with disabilities on issues that affect our lives. These issues range from improving accessible transportation for people with disabilities on state and national levels to improving accessibility of sidewalks on a local level and so much more. 

We believe that all people can and should lead fulfilling lives through self-direction. This theory is not build on pity or special needs but the idea that we respect each person as an expert on him- or herself. When we allow people to make their own choices about their own lives a sense of accountability is created that improves all of society. Memberships give you a choice about NRCIL in that Members elect our Board of Directors. Memberships also provide the flexible funding necessary to complete our mission. 

In 2019 we fought housing discrimination based on a person’s source of income, we advocated for a small business tax credit for employers who hire people with disabilities. We also asked for that Transportation Network Companies (like Uber and Lyft) meet the same requirements as taxi companies in New York State. We advocated that non-profit organizations not be allowed to campaign for candidates running for office so that we can remain committed not to parties, but committed to the people we serve in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. 

We also provide services and other resources for individuals in our community. In the 2019 program year we provided services to 3,180 people. Of course our resources are available free of charge to people of any age with any disability. Services included individual peer support, family peer support, benefits advisement, housing information, adaptive equipment loan closet, employment readiness and job placement, information and referral, and of course, individual advocacy with many of the systems that affect the lives of folks in the North Country. 

We’d like to share John’s story: In October of 2018, John came into NRCIL seeking help in applying for Social Security Benefits. John was a widower living with depression and a learning disability. Because he did not receive supports in school he left school unable to read or write. Despite these challenges, he still got his driver’s license and sustained a desire to work. John’s advocate encouraged him to not only apply for the public benefits, but also to keep hope of working and possibly catch up on his education. Over the next two months, John’s advocate helped him prepare information for the Social Security application and secured a phone appointment with a Social Security representative. Just two weeks prior to this appointment, we helped John connect with FedEx, an equal opportunity employer. He got a seasonal job that would earn more than $1200 a month, a huge step forward. Gaining this job will serve as a stepping stone to help John plan for future employment. By choosing to work with an advocate, the man overcame his barriers and gained renewed confidence. By utilizing Independent Living services, John will have ongoing support to build skills, be connected to further resources, and help him maintain and seek employment while utilizing community supports.

Through NRCIL people are empowered to reach their fullest potential, enriching our community along the way. Please join us today. You can renew online at our website at www.nrcil.net or by enclosing a check for your membership level and sending to NRCIL, 201 Court Street #107, Watertown, NY 13601

Membership are available at a variety of levels

All levels of membership entitle the member to one vote at our annual meeting. This community participation helps to make NRCIL an outstanding community resource. Please download the membership form OR join online below and select the level that best suits you!