Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Babylon) announced a bill she authored permitting the Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) to operate service centers throughout the county has passed the Assembly (A.9950). The bill amends SILO’s original enabling legislation, which restricts the location of its service centers to the town of Brookhaven with a satellite office in Central Islip.

“The Suffolk Independent Living Organization provides critical support to people with disabilities to encourage them to live full, independent lives,” Jean-Pierre said. “This bill aims to help SILO expand its reach throughout the county so more people with disabilities are empowered and equipped with important skills.”

SILO is a nonprofit, advocacy-based organization that shares the same goals as the national independent living movement, which aims to ensure that all people with disabilities are treated with the same respect as their nondisabled peers and granted equal opportunities to participate in their communities. The organization has been providing comprehensive programs and services to people with disabilities in Suffolk County since 1985.

“Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and have their voices heard,” Jean-Pierre said. “This bill will make vital support services more accessible to Suffolk residents with disabilities to help them live out their aspirations and take advantage of better opportunities.”