Resource Center for Independent Living

05/30/2026

Access to Home: Because your home should fit your needs!
Are you someone with a disability or a senior struggling with home safety?
Are you currently living in a long-term facility due to an inaccessible home? Access to Home is here to help you stay or return to your home. We'll provide modifications or repairs that make your home accessible, livable, and safe for you.
Learn what it means to have Access to Home:
• Ramps, lifts, handrails, stair glides
• Wider doorways
• Non-skid flooring
• Easy-to-reach storage spaces
• Accessible smoke alarms
• First-floor bathroom relocations
• Additional lighting
• Back-up generators
• Roll-in showers and hand-held showers
• Seated bathtubs
• And MORE!
LIFE at RCIL will help you navigate every step of the Access to Home Program, from eligibility, to application, to modification work. Connect with us at[email protected] or 315-797-4642 to see if you’re eligible. Return, stay, and feel comfortable at home with LIFE at RCIL.
Special programs available to support veterans, emergency modifications for seniors (ages 60+), and Medicaid recipients.
Because home is where the heart is… but only if you can access it!
Access to Home is made possible through the NYS Homes and Community Renewal Grant.

05/30/2026

Mark your calendar for squeaky-clean laundry day with LIFE at RCIL! Join us April 22, 2026 at Keep Making Suds Laundry at 23 Albany St., Little Falls, NY from 10am-2pm.
Our helpful team will be on site to provide laundry skills and support lessons.
BYOL: Bring Your Own Laundry… and we bring everything else! That’s right. LIFE at RCIL will supply detergent, dryer sheets, laundry bags, hangers, and payment for laundering services.
This program is open to ALL people with disabilities living in the community. Any self-disclosed disability makes you eligible for this fun, fresh, and FREE program. Can’t join us this round? Keep an eye out for us in the Herkimer community! We’ll be bringing this program to a laundromat near you soon! Questions? Reach LIFE at RCIL at 315-866-7245. See you there!

05/30/2026

Thank You!
RCIL wants to thank and the community for the success of the bag program.

05/30/2026

Mark your Calendar for another squeaky-clean laundry day with LIFE at RCIL! Join us at the Bear in a Tub Laundry Bear in a Tub Laundry (located at 5479 State Route 28, Eagle Bay) on Monday June 15th, from 10am-2pm. Our helpful team will be on site to provide laundry skills and supports lessons. BYOL: Bring your own Laundry.. and we bring everything else! That's right. LIFE at RCIL will supply detergent, dryer sheets, laundry bags, hangers, and payment for laundering services. This program is open ALL people with any disability living in the community. Any self-disclosed disability makes you eligible for this fun, fresh, and FREE program. Can't join us this round? Keep an eye out for us throughout Herkimer County! We'll be bringing this program to a laundromat near you soon! Questions? Reach LIFE at RCIL at 315-866-7245. See you there!

05/30/2026

Ombudsman Volunteer Spotlight Social Media Post
Meet Jim Wurz and Denise Laribee, two amazing NYS Long-term Care Ombudsman volunteers! They provide expert advocacy and care to some of the most vulnerable people in our community- those living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
"As an Ombudsman-volunteer, I enjoy meeting residents, the gratification of seeing them benefit from my efforts on their behalf, and [long-term care facility] staff become more attentive and responsive," explains Wurz. "I also appreciate the sense of accomplishment knowing that, at least in some small way, I've met a bit of my obligation to give back."
"I worked as an LPN years ago in nursing homes and loved spending time with those in the homes, listening to the stories they would tell and advocating for them," says Laribee. "Being a volunteer gives me that opportunity again! That is what I enjoy most about serving as an Ombudsman."
Join LIFE at RCIL in thanking Jim, Denise, and all the NYS Long-term Care Ombudsman volunteers for his/her/their hard work, dedication, and heartfelt compassion!

05/29/2026

Every year on the third Thursday in May, organizations such as RCIL and individuals around the world come together to recognize Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)—a movement dedicated to improving digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities. Learn more about the important role digital accessibility plays in creating a barrier-free world and some helpful tips and tricks to create digital media with accessibility in mind at our latest blog post:
https://www.rcil.com/news/global-accessibility-awareness-day-building-a-more-inclusive-digital-world/. What’s the last digital work you’ve created with accessibility in mind? Let us know in the comments!

Every year on the third Thursday in May, organizations such as RCIL and individuals around the world come together to recognize Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)—a movement dedicated to improving digital access and inclusion for people with

05/28/2026

Every May, National Stroke Awareness Month reminds us of a powerful truth: stroke can happen to anyone, at any time—but recognizing the warning signs quickly can save lives and reduce long-term disability. Our latest blog gives you the knowledge and tools you need to take action. At RCIL, we are committed to empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and resources they need to stay safe, independent, and healthy. If you or someone you know is struggling with independent living after a stroke, reach out to us! RCIL is here to help.

https://www.rcil.com/news/national-stroke-awareness-month-know-the-signs-save-a-life/

05/28/2026

Free Drum Circle
Feel The Beat at Many Hearts
Afree drum circle is being offered on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 5:15 to 6:30 PM at 1607 Genesee St., Utica, with the generous support of the Rotary Club of Utica.
Open to all skill levels, participants are invited to bring their own drums or use instruments provided at the event. No musical experience is required. This inclusive and fun activity offers an opportunity for creativity, and new friendships. Leave feeling refreshed, renewed and taking a break from the stress and worry of everyday life.
When: 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month, 5:15 – 6:30 PM
Where: 1607 Genesee St., Utica (Parking and entrance at the rear off Scott St.)
Call: Mary at (315) 272-2976 or [email protected]

05/27/2026

What do Ombudsman volunteers do? We’re glad you asked! LIFE at RCIL has the privilege of housing an all-star team of NYS Long-term Care Ombudsman program Whose volunteers speak up for those who are often silenced— those living in long-term care facilities. Because of this crew of compassionate advocates, NYS residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities always have someone they can depend on for support, patience, and genuine care. We stand with and for the rights and dignities of long-term care residents. Interested in learning more about NYS Long-term Care Ombudsmen volunteer work and how we can help you or a loved one? Contact LIFE at RCIL at 315-272-1872 or [email protected] today!