Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled
@bcidbrooklyn.bsky.social
Our mission for more than 60 years has been to empower persons with disabilities by improving the quality of their lives and fostering their integration into the mainstream of society. We also develop educational programs including training for advocacy fo
"Access-a-Ride user, Elizabeth Valdez, who is also the systems advocate at BCID, testified that the reservation window should be widened because “life does not stop at 5 p.m.” for people with disabilities."
https://www.amny.com/nyc-transit/disability-advocates-mta-access-a-ride-reservations/
https://www.amny.com/nyc-transit/disability-advocates-mta-access-a-ride-reservations/
October 1, 2026 at 3:04 PM
"Access-a-Ride user, Elizabeth Valdez, who is also the systems advocate at BCID, testified that the reservation window should be widened because “life does not stop at 5 p.m.” for people with disabilities."
https://www.amny.com/nyc-transit/disability-advocates-mta-access-a-ride-reservations/
https://www.amny.com/nyc-transit/disability-advocates-mta-access-a-ride-reservations/
NCIL Action Alert!
Take Action to Support the Bipartisan House Resolution Reaffirming the Right of Disabled People to Live in Their Communities!
Take Action to Support the Bipartisan House Resolution Reaffirming the Right of Disabled People to Live in Their Communities!
Advocacy & Action Center - National Council on Independent Living
ncil.org
September 30, 2026 at 6:05 PM
NCIL Action Alert!
Take Action to Support the Bipartisan House Resolution Reaffirming the Right of Disabled People to Live in Their Communities!
Take Action to Support the Bipartisan House Resolution Reaffirming the Right of Disabled People to Live in Their Communities!
NYAIL Action Alert - Speak Out for the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act!
Action Alerts
NYAIL strengthens local independent living centers, serves as the foundation for a strong statewide network, and is a leader in the civil rights movement for al
ilny.us
September 30, 2026 at 2:06 PM
NYAIL Action Alert - Speak Out for the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act!
Do you know about BCID's warmline? We're here to listen and help you.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
September 30, 2026 at 11:37 AM
Do you know about BCID's warmline? We're here to listen and help you.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
"The awards will help municipalities and nonprofit organizations create and improve accessible outdoor spaces where children of all abilities can play, be active and connect with their communities."
Unplug and Play: Governor Hochul Announces $67.5 Million for 89 Projects to Build and Improve Playgrounds Across New York State
Governor Hochul announced $67.5 million in grants through New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) for 89 projects to build, expand and renovate public playgrounds across New York State.
tinyurl.com
September 25, 2026 at 5:03 PM
"The awards will help municipalities and nonprofit organizations create and improve accessible outdoor spaces where children of all abilities can play, be active and connect with their communities."
"New York Will Not Turn Back the Clock on Nearly Four Decades of Progress Supporting Community-Based Care"
Governor Hochul Sends Letter Urging the Trump Administration Not to Retreat From Federal Disability Law
Governor Hochul led a group of 18 governors who sent a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche calling on him to continue the federal government’s longstanding support for community-based care and the rights of people with disabilities to live with dignity in their own communities.
www.governor.ny.gov
September 23, 2026 at 8:36 PM
"New York Will Not Turn Back the Clock on Nearly Four Decades of Progress Supporting Community-Based Care"
Medicare can be overwhelming.
So many plans. So many choices. So many calls. And everyone seems to have an answer about what you should do.
But how do you know what’s right for you?
Healthcare Education Webinar
September 24, 2026 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST
Register online: https://bit.ly/4cRinCJ
So many plans. So many choices. So many calls. And everyone seems to have an answer about what you should do.
But how do you know what’s right for you?
Healthcare Education Webinar
September 24, 2026 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST
Register online: https://bit.ly/4cRinCJ
September 23, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Medicare can be overwhelming.
So many plans. So many choices. So many calls. And everyone seems to have an answer about what you should do.
But how do you know what’s right for you?
Healthcare Education Webinar
September 24, 2026 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST
Register online: https://bit.ly/4cRinCJ
So many plans. So many choices. So many calls. And everyone seems to have an answer about what you should do.
But how do you know what’s right for you?
Healthcare Education Webinar
September 24, 2026 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST
Register online: https://bit.ly/4cRinCJ
Do you know about BCID's warmline? We're here to listen and help you.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
September 23, 2026 at 10:05 AM
Do you know about BCID's warmline? We're here to listen and help you.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“This school year, every preschooler with a disability is starting school on time with an appropriate placement, which is incredibly exciting and is what children deserve and what families deserve."
Officials say preschoolers with disabilities set to receive appropriate services
The seats, which were announced earlier this summer, are at 26 schools that already serve older children.
tinyurl.com
September 17, 2026 at 6:03 PM
“This school year, every preschooler with a disability is starting school on time with an appropriate placement, which is incredibly exciting and is what children deserve and what families deserve."
Brooklyn Botanic Garden invites visitors with disabilities and their families to experience the Discovery Garden at your own pace.
This program is free, but preregistration is required.
https://www.bbg.org/visit/event/all_abilities_discovery_morning_september
This program is free, but preregistration is required.
https://www.bbg.org/visit/event/all_abilities_discovery_morning_september
September 16, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Brooklyn Botanic Garden invites visitors with disabilities and their families to experience the Discovery Garden at your own pace.
This program is free, but preregistration is required.
https://www.bbg.org/visit/event/all_abilities_discovery_morning_september
This program is free, but preregistration is required.
https://www.bbg.org/visit/event/all_abilities_discovery_morning_september
Do you know about BCID's warmline? We're here to listen and help you.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
September 15, 2026 at 11:01 PM
Do you know about BCID's warmline? We're here to listen and help you.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Do you know about BCID's warmline? We're here to listen and help you.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
September 9, 2026 at 11:57 AM
Do you know about BCID's warmline? We're here to listen and help you.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Last week, BCID's Elizabeth Valdez, presented on Transportation Advocacy at the NYC Self-Advocacy Association conference.
September 4, 2026 at 7:02 PM
Last week, BCID's Elizabeth Valdez, presented on Transportation Advocacy at the NYC Self-Advocacy Association conference.
Disability employment is “workforce development, it’s economic development,” Bardsley said. “It’s taxable dollars. It’s smart investment in communities, businesses, and families. And when people with disabilities gain meaningful employment, everyone benefits.”
Voters Back Workplace Inclusion, Urge Action to Preserve Disability Employment Opportunities - Able News at The Viscardi Center
With another round of elections coming up, New York voters say they want more diversity in their workplace. However, this potential possibility wanes on the fate of the state’s Preferred Source Program, which is powered by state and local government purchasing, and has a sunset clause for the end of 2026 to create employment opportunities […]
tinyurl.com
September 3, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Disability employment is “workforce development, it’s economic development,” Bardsley said. “It’s taxable dollars. It’s smart investment in communities, businesses, and families. And when people with disabilities gain meaningful employment, everyone benefits.”
Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW), Sept. 14–18, 2026, is a nonpartisan movement led by AAPD’s REV UP campaign. This year’s theme, “Be an Accessible Democracy Defender,” celebrates community, advocates for accessible futures, and builds power.
Disability Voting Rights Week National Kick-Off Call · REV UP, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW), September 14-18, 2026, is a nonpartisan movement hosted by the American Association of People with Disabilities' REV UP campaign. DVRW is about advocating for accessible futures, celebrating community, and building power. The theme of Disability Voting Rights Week 2026 is Be an Accessible Democracy Defender.
Join this National Kick-Off Call with the REV UP National team, Teona McGhaw-Ward, REV UP Missouri, and David Carey, REV UP Arizona to learn all about polling place accessibility through trivia, real world scenarios, and friendly competition. You’ll explore what it means to be an Accessible Democracy Defender, and get equipped with the tools needed to defend democracy ahead of the midterm elections!
After registering you will receive an email from the American Association of People with Disabilities zoom with a unique link. We will resend the link on the day of the call.
CART and ASL are provided. Please include your access needs when signing up so we can share your information with access providers. Registered attendees receive slides and the agenda before the call, and recordings and notes are shared afterward.
Learn more about REV UP: www.aapd.com/about-rev-up/
Access the DVRW Toolkit: https://www.aapd.com/dvrw-2026-toolkit
Attend DVRW events: https://www.mobilize.us/rev-up-aapd/
tinyurl.com
September 3, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW), Sept. 14–18, 2026, is a nonpartisan movement led by AAPD’s REV UP campaign. This year’s theme, “Be an Accessible Democracy Defender,” celebrates community, advocates for accessible futures, and builds power.
Do you know about BCID's warmline? We're here to listen and help you.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
September 2, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Do you know about BCID's warmline? We're here to listen and help you.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
BCID is happy to share the following new resource in our community -
September 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM
BCID is happy to share the following new resource in our community -
Two weeks ago, Mel Tanzman, another great disability leader here in New York, passed away. BCID enjoyed working with Mel when he was at Westchester Disabled on the Move (WDOM). He was a thoughtful and generous leader for the independent living movement and we will miss him.
September 1, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Two weeks ago, Mel Tanzman, another great disability leader here in New York, passed away. BCID enjoyed working with Mel when he was at Westchester Disabled on the Move (WDOM). He was a thoughtful and generous leader for the independent living movement and we will miss him.
"There's a new accessible station on your subway map! Earlier this month, the 161st fully-accessible subway station at Kings Hwy F officially opened."
MTA News on Instagram: "Kings Highway is officially on the accessible subway map. Three new elevators now connect the street, mezzanine and both F platforms. The project was completed on time and on budget and also included an expanded mezzanine,...
439 likes, 3 comments - mtanewsroom on August 19, 2026: "Kings Highway is officially on the accessible subway map. Three new elevators now connect the street, mezzanine and both F platforms. The project was completed on time and on budget and also included an expanded mezzanine, upgraded station sys...
tinyurl.com
September 1, 2026 at 1:31 PM
"There's a new accessible station on your subway map! Earlier this month, the 161st fully-accessible subway station at Kings Hwy F officially opened."
Do you know about BCID's warmline? We're here to listen and help you.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
September 1, 2026 at 1:02 AM
Do you know about BCID's warmline? We're here to listen and help you.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
"The U.S. Department of Labor is officially putting an end to a 2013 regulation that put pressure on federal contractors to beef up disability employment."
Labor Department Rescinds Disability Hiring Mandate
A decade-old federal rule designed to increase employment of people with disabilities will soon be no more.
tinyurl.com
August 31, 2026 at 8:31 PM
"The U.S. Department of Labor is officially putting an end to a 2013 regulation that put pressure on federal contractors to beef up disability employment."
"Advocates continue to raise concerns over recent federal deadline delays for vital web accessibility rules, which impact digital equity and access to public services for screen-reader users and people with sensory disabilities."
Enabling Access (August ’26) Disability News-Deadline Delays for Web Accessibility Rules Spark Concerns Over Digital Equity – ACILs
In May, federal officials decided to delay new rules that were supposed to make websites more accessible for people with disabilities.
tinyurl.com
August 27, 2026 at 2:06 PM
"Advocates continue to raise concerns over recent federal deadline delays for vital web accessibility rules, which impact digital equity and access to public services for screen-reader users and people with sensory disabilities."
"For Deaf detainees, these problems are compounded by language deprivation. There is no publicly available information on how often Deaf people are given interpreters at various parts of the immigration process, let alone in detention centers."
How Trump’s deportation machine deprives Deaf people of their humanity
An extra layer of cruelty is added by limiting communication access for Deaf people.
tinyurl.com
August 21, 2026 at 10:02 PM
"For Deaf detainees, these problems are compounded by language deprivation. There is no publicly available information on how often Deaf people are given interpreters at various parts of the immigration process, let alone in detention centers."
"If New Yorkers believe that a person experiencing a mental health crisis should be treated as a patient, not a criminal, then we have to build—and fund—the workforce capable of delivering it."
Op-ed | When mental health crises happen, New Yorkers deserve more than one option | amNewYork
On a recent summer morning in Queens, Jordyn encountered a neighbor she knew to be living with a serious mental health condition. He had been pacing the block
tinyurl.com
August 20, 2026 at 12:03 PM
"If New Yorkers believe that a person experiencing a mental health crisis should be treated as a patient, not a criminal, then we have to build—and fund—the workforce capable of delivering it."