This Disability Employment Awareness Month, OSCIL is spotlighting work incentives like the SSA’s 1619(b), Rhode Island’s Ticket to Work, and the Sherlock Plan—tools that help people with disabilities earn income while keeping vital benefits. Employment means independence, and these programs can make it possible.

From July 21–24, representatives from the Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL) joined disability rights advocates from across the country at the 2025 National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Conference in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme centered around “leveling up” to build resilience and advocacy in the face of significant policy shifts—especially proposed Medicaid cuts and other changes that could deeply affect the disability community.