Bronx Independent Living Services

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)!
Employment is a right. Accessibility is a necessity. Inclusion is not optional.
At Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS), we recognize that individuals with disabilities have the skills, talents, qualifications, and determination to succeed in the workforce. Yet, far too many continue to face barriers that have nothing to do with their abilities.
Discrimination, inaccessible workplaces, misconceptions about disability, and a lack of reasonable accommodations continue to prevent qualified individuals from accessing meaningful employment opportunities.
The problem is not a lack of ability. It is a lack of access and opportunity.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is more than a celebration. It is a call to action.
It is a reminder that individuals with disabilities deserve more than simply being considered for employment. They deserve equal opportunities to be hired, supported, promoted, and recognized for their contributions.
At BILS, we remain committed to advocating for disability rights, challenging systemic barriers, promoting workplace accessibility, and supporting individuals with disabilities in pursuing their employment goals.
True inclusion means creating workplaces where individuals with disabilities are not expected to overcome barriers that should never have existed in the first place.
We do not need to change people with disabilities to fit into the workforce. We need to create a workforce that welcomes and values people with disabilities.
This October, we challenge employers, organizations, and community leaders to move beyond awareness and turn their commitment to inclusion into meaningful action.
Because equal opportunity should never be a privilege. It should be the standard.
Happy National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

Today is world oxygen day. Everyone needs enough oxygen in their bodies at all times for their bodies to function correctly. Some people need extra help keeping their oxygen levels up either with portable oxygen, a trach, a vent, or all of them together.

Remember if you or anyone you know needs resources about lung health they can visit the American Lung Health Association's website by visiting lung.org . They can also talk to a lung health expert at the American Lung Association. Their service is free, and they are here to help you. Their phone number 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872).

If you are going to attend the NYC Disability Pride Parade on October 18th Register here:

docs.google.com

On Monday September 28th at 11am EST Bronx Independent Living Services will be hosting the Bronx Disability Pride Parade Stakeholders Meeting. We will be planning for the parade on October 18th. This will be a hybrid meeting. If anyone would like to attend or would like the zoom link please message, call, or email me. My phone number is (929) 999-6562. My email address is [email protected].

Happy Climate Week NYC! This week many leaders from around the world will discuss many climate issues. NYC will have discussions about scaling early warning systems to protect residents from extreme weather to mayors calling for sustainable urban data centers as well as many other climate concerns. Remember we need to keep people with disabilities in climate talks so that everyone has what they need in all different situations!

This week is Disability Voting Rights Week! Everyone has the right to vote and should have access to vote in a way that's best for them. To find out more go to www.aapd.com/disability-voting-rights-week/

Fall is almost here. If you need to find a place to get a vaccine Walgreens pharmacy staff will administer FREE FLU vaccines at the Morrisania Clinic, located at: 1309 Fulton Ave Bronx, NY, 10456 Hours: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dates: September 9th, 2026 September 16th, 2026 September 23rd, 2026 September 30th, 2026 October 7th, 2026 October 21st, 2026
*No cost to you with most insurance. Vaccines subject to availability. State-, age- and health-related restrictions may apply.

If you would like to learn more about how vaccines can help protect you and others click here:

The Truth About How Vaccines Prevent Respiratory Diseases and Save Lives Understand what respiratory diseases can be prevented by vaccines and how not getting vaccinated may put you or your loved ones at risk.

Exercise is good for your body, but did you know that you can exercise your breathing muscles too?! Click this link to learn 2 breathing exercises that you can do siting or laying down:

Breathing Exercises Like aerobic exercise improves your heart function and strengthens your muscles, breathing exercises can make your lungs more efficient.

We are expecting another hot weather stretch. If you or anyone you know needs resources about lung health during the heat they can visit the American Lung Health Association's website. They can also talk to a lung health expert at the American Lung Association. Their service is free, and they are here to help you. Their phone number 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872.

American Lung Association Help us save lives by improving lung health, preventing lung disease, and creating a healthy world for all.

As we close out disability pride month we want everyone to remember that people with disabilities should be treated as people with respect. Always ask before helping. Speak directly to the person, not to the aide or person with them. Respect their mobility aides and service animals by not touching or leaning on them. Don't make assumptions about someone's abilities. Use the language that the person prefers and appropriate for their age level.

This Disability Pride Month, remember: inclusion starts with respect. Small actions and thoughtful communication can help create a more welcoming community for everyone.