irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2023
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $128KRCIL's TRAID ProgramDevice demonstrations - RCIL currently has on display a number of information technologies for which demonstrations and trials are performed in the office. These technologies have been utilized by individuals who wish to evaluate whether the technologies work for them. They have been used by teachers who wish to learn more about the technologies, and they have been used to read emails, correspondence, etc., when the individual has been unsuccessful in acquiring such technologies. Small technologies are regularly included in fairs, trainings, and other outreach activities. Continued on Schedule O.Lastly, the TRAID project periodically invites vendors of both new and lesser known technologies on-site for both our staff and consumers to learn more about. Device loans - RCIL currently has an inventory of various purchased or donated equipment available for loan. Loans are initially made for an eight-week period with possibilities of extensions. The equipment is both for adults and children, including items for Early Intervention aged children ages birth to three years old. One-to-one consultations: One-to-one consultations on technologies that TRAID staff are proficient with will be offered to both individuals and professionals upon request. While most one-to-one consultations will be performed at RCIL's TRAID office, in-home consultations may be arranged according to need and as staff resources permit. Information dissemination: The RCIL TRAID project will regularly disseminate information on new Assistive and Information Technologies to its network of employers, educational entities, and community groups. Eligibly is based on Justice Center guidelines. The individuals receiving equipment must have a disability. The information, consultations and training component of the grant can be for any individual that requests these services. This program is funded through grant contributions totaling $145,915. A portion of the program's grants cover general and administrative expenses directly associated with this program.
- #2 $92KACCES-VR: Benefits advisement is a core service as noted in the ACL and ACCES-VR State program description sheet. Individuals who have a disability are eligible for services. Additionally, some benefits advisement is done as a fee for service through the local ACCES-VR for consumers served by ACCES-VR. ACCES-VR determines if individuals are eligible to be referred to RCIL under the fee for service contract and makes a referral to RCIL's Benefits Department. Once individuals are referred the RCIL IL intake forms including an Eligibility Determination form with the eligibility criteria is used to ensure the individuals we serve are also eligible for our services. Continued on Schedule O. This program is partially funded through grant contributions totaling $127,668.
named programs · 3 · from sources
What they call their work
Benefits Advisement
Offers guidance and advocacy on SSI/SSD, Medicaid, Food Stamps, Medicare, and other public benefits. Assists with applications, work incentives, and representation at fair hearings.
Peer Counseling
Supports individuals with disabilities through peer-led counseling to strengthen independent living skills and community involvement.
TRAID Program
Provides device demonstrations, short-term equipment loans, one-to-one consultations, and information dissemination on assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities. Includes an Early Intervention loan closet for children birth to three and supports home modifications.
activities · 10 groups
What they do
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Adaptive Equipment Provision 2 activities
- Assistive Technology Services (TRAID Program)Provides access to assistive and information technologies through demonstrations, trials, loans of devices, and one-on-one consultations; serves approximately 430–507 individuals annually with equipment ranging from basic daily living tools to advanced smart pens for students with learning disabilities.
- Device Reuse and Recycling ProgramAccepts community donations of assistive devices and durable medical equipment, refurbishing and redistributing them to support service delivery and promote sustainable access to technology.
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Public Benefits Navigation and Enrollment 1 activity
- Benefits and Public Assistance SupportOffers direct assistance with applications, appeals, and ongoing management of public benefits including SSI/SSD, Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps, and work incentives, including representation at Fair Hearings.
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Intake and Referral Coordination 1 activity
- Core Independent Living ServicesProvides foundational services including information and referral, peer counseling, independent living skills training, individual and systems advocacy, and support for nursing home transition and diversion to promote self-determination and community integration for people with disabilities.
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Disability Rights Advocacy & Self-Advocacy Empowerment 1 activity
- Disability Rights and Systems AdvocacyEngages in systems-level advocacy to advance disability rights, including successful efforts to change Rochester’s building code to mandate accessibility in new construction and advocacy against segregated housing projects.
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Home Accessibility Modifications 1 activity
- Housing and Home Modification AssistanceProvides guidance and support for accessible housing, environmental modifications, and financial assistance programs; offers direct support for home modifications such as modular ramps, bathroom upgrades, vertical lifts, ceiling track systems, rail systems, van modifications, and Access to Home renovations.
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Public Awareness and Educational Outreach 1 activity
- Information Dissemination and Community OutreachDistributes information about disability services, rights, and new technologies to individuals, families, employers, educators, and community organizations through newsletters, outreach events, and direct support.
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Workforce Readiness Training 1 activity
- Peer Integration and Employment Support ProgramOperated a three-year pilot program in partnership with ACCES-VR to support employment outcomes for people with disabilities, employing two Peer Independent Living Service Specialists who provided one-on-one services to 100 consumers annually and delivering group trainings on independent living skills.
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Volunteer and Professional Training Programs 1 activity
- Technical Assistance and Training for Service ProvidersProvides group technical assistance and training sessions for ACCES-VR counselors and other professionals on topics relevant to independent living and disability services.
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Transportation Policy Advocacy & Infrastructure Reform 1 activity
- Transportation and Community Access AdvocacyAdvocates for accessible public infrastructure including curb cuts, ramps, and inclusive transportation; historically led successful campaigns for ramp installation at Rochester City Hall and accessibility improvements at the Rundel Memorial Building.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Publication of Research and Accessibility ResourcesConducted and published the "People’s Accessibility Guide" in 1978, documenting the accessibility of public buildings in Rochester to inform advocacy and community awareness.
- Transition Coaching to Prevent InstitutionalizationEmployed transition coaches to provide peer mentoring, skills training, and advocacy for over 200 individuals to support transitions out of or avoidance of institutional care settings.
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financials · form 990 · fy2023
revenue
Total revenue$1.16M
Contributions & grants$1.15M99%
Program service revenue$9K1%
Investment income$5K0%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$1.24M
Program expenses86%
Admin / overhead14%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$316K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$1.37M
Cash$153K
Investments$0
Liabilities$902K
Net assets$469K
Liquid reserves1.5 mo
5 years on record · 2019–2023 · YoY revenue +2.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2023
Who runs it
board members · 8
- Anita Cameron — Director
- Dawn Russell — Vice Chair
- Gary Meyer — Vice Chair
- Joe Miller — Treasurer
- Justin Alexander — Secretary
- Kenyatta DaCosta — Chair
- Mary Talbo — Director
- Ray Kenney — Director
relationships · 15
Who they work with
- ACCES-VR Partner — Partnership to deliver peer integration services and trainings to ACCES-VR consumers and counselors in Rochester, NY.
- ACCES-VR Partner — Refers eligible individuals to RCIL for benefits advisement services under a fee-for-service contract.
- Atomic Design Partner — Design and development partner for RCIL's website
- Atomic Design Partner — Design and development partner for RCIL's website.
- Atomic Design Partner — Design and development partner for the RCIL website
- Center for Disability Rights Partner — Shares office space with RCIL at 497 State Street, Rochester, NY.
- Commission on Quality of Care Funder — Funded the TRAID program providing assistive technology and home modification support.
- Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation Funder — Funded transportation costs for disabled volunteers working on the accessibility guidebook project.
- Department of Human Services Government — RCIL assists clients with applications and representation related to services administered by the New York State Department of Human Services.
- Easter Seal Society Funder — Provided modest annual grants to OAB/HIH for transportation and educational programs.
- New York State Department of Education Funder — Provided grant funding to support the three-year Peer Integration program.
- Regional County Early Intervention Center Partner — Coordinates with RCIL’s Early Intervention Loan Closet to serve infants and children with disabilities across six counties.
- Rochester City School District Partner — Cooperated with OAB/HIH to provide Adult Basic Education classes for severely disabled adults.
- Social Security Administration Government — RCIL provides guidance and representation for clients navigating Social Security Disability, SSI, and related benefits through the Social Security Administration.
- United Cerebral Palsy Association Partner — Received transfer of OAB/HIH’s Adult Basic Education students to continue programming.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Peer-Based Empowerment Modelmethodology: peer_based_approachBy leveraging lived experience through peer support and peer-led services, individuals with disabilities achieve greater engagement in skill development and community integration, because shared experience builds trust, reduces stigma, and models achievable independence.
- Person-Centered Independent Livingmethodology: independent_living_modelBy providing individualized, holistic services—such as assistive technology access, skill development, and community navigation—individuals with disabilities maintain autonomy and avoid institutionalization, because tailored support respects self-determination and addresses unique environmental and personal barriers.
- Rights-Based Advocacy and Self-Advocacymethodology: rights_based_empowermentBy equipping individuals with knowledge of their civil rights and entitlements under the ADA and supporting direct advocacy and protest, systemic barriers are challenged and individual agency is strengthened, because legal awareness and collective action produce structural change.