SILO Marks 36 Years of the ADA

New York State Sen. Dean Murray joined local elected officials, disability advocates and community members to celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during Self-Initiated Living Options' (SILO) annual community picnic, recognizing both the landmark civil rights law and the organization’s decades of advocacy on Long Island.

Murray was joined by Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella and Assemblyman Joe DeStefano for the celebration honoring advances in accessibility, inclusion and independent living for people with disabilities.

“It was an honor to celebrate this important milestone and recognize the progress made in expanding opportunity, independence, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities,” Murray said.

“Thank you to SILO for your unwavering commitment to empowering individuals, advocating for inclusion, and helping ensure everyone has the chance to live full and independent lives.”

Signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, the ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, telecommunications and state and local government services.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 44 million Americans, about one in seven people, live with a disability, making the ADA one of the nation's most significant civil rights laws.

SILO traces its roots to the Independent Living Movement that emerged following deinstitutionalization and the broader civil rights movement.

Founded in 1982 by disability rights advocate June Roberts, the nonprofit was established to help people with disabilities live independently while advocating for equal access and self-determination. Roberts, alongside community leaders and volunteers, helped build what would become Suffolk County's Independent Living Center.

Today, SILO serves residents throughout Suffolk and Nassau counties as a consumer-controlled, nonprofit organization providing advocacy, peer mentoring, independent living skills training, information and referrals.

It is one of 42 Independent Living Centers supported through New York State's ACCES-VR program and part of a nationwide network of more than 300 centers dedicated to advancing independence and protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities.