Buffalo, NY — June 4, 2026 —WNY Independent Living, Inc. Family of Agencies (WNYIL) will host its 46th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Classics V Banquet & Conference Center.
The event will bring together WNYIL staff, consumers, advocates, and community partners for a year in review highlighting the organization’s work and impact throughout the past year, while also recognizing individuals and organizations who support the independent living movement. Annual awards presented during the meeting will honor outstanding supporters of the independent living philosophy, including recipients of the Elayne G. Wels Community Support Award and the Corporate Support Award.
This year’s theme, Empowerment with Purpose, reflects the drive and determination of individuals and advocates working together to create meaningful change within their communities. The event will feature guest speaker Julie Farrar, a nationally recognized disability rights advocate and longtime independent living activist who participated in historic ADAPT demonstrations, including the 1990 Capitol Crawl that helped pave the way for passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“At WNY Independent Living, we’re proud to make a meaningful, positive impact in communities across New York State,”said Stephanie Orlando, CEO of WNY Independent Living Inc. “Our Annual Meeting is an important opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and recognize the individuals who make that work possible. It’s also a time to look ahead—recommitting ourselves to our mission and the principles that guide us. We are honored to welcome Julie Farrar, whose leadership and lived experience will help ground us in our history as we continue moving forward together.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.wnyil.org/annualmeeting or call (716) 836-0822 ext. 146.