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Logo of Harlem Independent Living Center: Harlem Independent Living Center, Inc.'s logo description is: The text in capitalized black letters "HARLEM INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER INC" in the outer circle with black windmill blades in a circle and in the center of the windmill blade is a person with a star for a body. ing Center. The Logo is in green lettering.

NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2024 - ISSUE 1

"Empowering New York City: The Leading Advocates for People with Disabilities."

Showing Up, Showing Out, and Making Our Voices Heard!

HAPPY ELECTION DAY NEW YORK CITY


Click here to check your voter registration status.

Click here to Find your poll site and view a sample ballot.

A portrait of Yaw Appiadu. Yaw is wearing a navy blue suit, a white shirt and a black tie.

Yaw Appiadu, MPH -

Executive Director, HILC

Dear HILC Friends and Advocates,


Today is Election Day, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the change we can create when we show up and make our voices heard. Your voice is essential in shaping the policies that affect our lives, from accessible transportation to healthcare and beyond. We have the power to drive change—but only if we are present and vocal in the spaces where decisions are made.

Showing up means voting. It means engaging with policymakers to ensure our needs are prioritized. Showing out means standing together as a community, demanding policies that center inclusion, accessibility, and equality for all.


Your vote matters, and your voice is powerful. Let us make it count—not just today, but every day. Together, we can create a future where everyone is respected, included, and empowered.


Voting is just the first step. Our work does not end today—it is only beginning. We must continue engaging with policymakers, advocating for policies that reflect our values, and pushing for a future where people with disabilities are not just included but fully empowered. Where the rights of minorities are protected, and our voices are heard.


The time for change is now and it starts with us. Let us vote today and keep showing up, speaking out, and advocating until we build the world we deserve.


With determination and gratitude,

Yaw A.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM "KNOW YOUR VOTING RIGHTS WORKSHOP"

HOSTED BY MS. YASMIN CAMPBELL - SYSTEMS ADVOCATE, HILC

The "Know Your Voting Rights Workshop," hosted by Ms. Yasmin Campbell, Systems Advocate of the Harlem Independent Living Center highlighted the organization's commitment to promoting social justice and empowering individuals to engage fully in their civic duties. The session emphasized the critical role of voting in advocating for the rights and needs of people with disabilities. Through open dialogue and shared experiences, participants were reminded of the importance of active citizenship and the role of voting in shaping an inclusive society. HILC's mission to ensure equitable access to voting rights was central, equipping attendees with both knowledge and resources to advocate for accessible voting in their communities.

A diverse group of participants sits around a large table in a well-lit room, actively engaged in a workshop led by Ms. Campbell is seated at the head of the table and is speaking passionately, guiding the discussion on voting rights and advocating for equitable access. Some participants are taking notes, while others are listening intently or gesturing as they contribute to the conversation. The room exudes a sense of empowerment and community, with everyone focused on the mission of promoting social justice, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
A picture of a consumer waving and smiling at the camera
A picture of  some consumers sitting at the table. One has a guide dog. The guide dog is laying beside the consumer. The consumers are all enjoying cup of coffee and donuts.

Our First Annual Open Meeting & Awards Celebration: Celebrating Community, Empowering Change!

Congratulations to our extraordinary award recipients, whose unwavering dedication and impactful contributions to the disability rights movement truly embody HILC's commitment to advocacy and social justice! 


  • Disability Rights Advocate - Partnership in Excellence Award
  • Dr. Keith Taylor - Service Leadership Award
  • Ms. Yasmin Campbell - Spirit Award
  • Ms. Desryl DeSouza - Employee of the Year


A picture of Rebecca Williford from Disability Rights Advocate with the Board President Dr. Keith Taylor and Yaw Appiadu (Executive Director) Rebecca is holding an award and they are smiling in the picture

From Left to Right

Rebecca Williford - President & CEO, Disability Rights Advocate, Dr. Keith Taylor - Board President, HILC & Yaw Appiadu - Executive Director, HILC

A picture of HILC's Board Secretary, Ms. Susan Xenarios standing at the podium at the award ceremony.

Ms. Susan Xenarios -

Board Secretary, HILC

A picture of Ms. Bright at the podium talking to an audience at the award ceremony

Ms. Leslie Bright -

Board Treasurer - HILC

A picture of Ms. Lewis at the podium talking to an audience at the award ceremony

Ms. Yonette Lewis -

Director of Operations - HILC

Picture of the staff at HILC standing in front of a banner with a logo of HILC on it.

SOME TEAM MEMBERS FROM HILC

A picture of Yaw, Yasmin and Dr. Taylor. Yasmin is holding her awards and is smiling.

From Left to Right

Yaw Appiadu - Executive Director, HILC, Ms. Yasmin Campbell, Systems Advocate, HILC, Dr. Keith Taylor, Board President, HILC

A picture of Yaw, Yasmin and Brodi. Yasmin is holding her awards and is smiling.

From Left to Right

Brodi Enoch - Consumer/Advocate, Yaw Appiadu - Executive Director, HILC, Ms. Yasmin Campbell, Systems Advocate, HILC

A picture of a consumer and Yaw at the event. The consumer is wearing a bright orange sweater with black pants and bright orange head band

A consumer and Yaw Appiadu at the 2024 Annual Open Meeting and Awards Celebration

Picture of some of the board of directors from HILC standing in front of HILC banner with HILC logo on it

SOME HILC’S BOARD MEMBERS: PASSIONATE ADVOCATES FOR CHANGE

A wide picture of event attendees seated at the hall

WIDESHOT OF SOME OF OUR EVENT ATTENDEES

A picture of Jordan Smith and Yaw Appiadu. Jordan has his thumps up and Yaw is smiling.

Jordan Smith - Administrative Assistant/Scheduler & Yaw Appiadu, Executive Director of HILC

A picture of Yaw presenting with an ASL interpreter

ASL Interpreter and Yaw Appiadu

Wide shot of some event attendees seated at the event
Mission and Vision Statements

Mission Statement: Harlem Independent Living Center (HILC) is a disability-focused organization that advocates for community change and empowers people to be independent.



Vision Statement: To advocate for a fully accessible society.

Contact Us

289 Saint Nicholas Avenue

Suite 21 Lower-Level

New York, New York 10027

Between W 124th Street & W 125th Street

Tel: 212-222-7122


Our office is open to the public from Monday to Thursday, between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, except for Federal Holidays. We welcome walk-ins during these hours.

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