OSCIL Staff Advocate for Independent Living at Our Nation’s Capital

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.

Angela made it to the front of the crowd for a photo with Vermont Senator, Bernie Sanders!

A major highlight of the week was the March and Rally for Independent Living in front of the U.S. Capitol. After a mile long march that shut down Pennsylvania Avenue, speakers shared powerful stories of success, struggle, and the ongoing fight for a more inclusive and accessible America. The rally concluded with a rousing speech by Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who passionately reaffirmed the rights of people with disabilities to independence, dignity, and full inclusion in society. While acknowledging the recent passage of the federal budget bill, Senator Sanders emphasized that the fight to protect funding for disability services is far from over.

Throughout the conference, OSCIL staff made the most of every opportunity to learn, connect, and advocate. Angela Pesare, Minority Outreach Specialist, and Rob Baez, Youth Transition Coordinator, worked tirelessly to build new relationships with peers from across the country—laying the groundwork for future collaborations and resource sharing.

Beth Pinkham, Associate Director, and Allyson DuPont, Senior Program Manager, engaged in strategic discussions with other Centers for Independent Living (CILs), attending sessions on sustainable funding, operational resilience, and adapting to rapid policy changes.

The group also participated in a wide range of workshops covering topics such as:

• Supporting the IL needs of immigrants and refugees

• Disability history and culture

• Ethical use of AI in disability services

• Cross-disability collaboration

• Accessible marketing strategies

• Reentry support for formerly incarcerated individuals

• Building tech skills among IL consumers

On Wednesday, OSCIL was joined by SILC members Christina Battista, Mike Matracia, and Vincent DeJesus for a day of advocacy on Capitol Hill. Together, they met with Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo. These meetings were productive and encouraging, with all four members of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation expressing strong support for Medicaid and other essential disability services.

Senator Jack Reed took time out of his busy schedule to meet with OSCIL and RISILC members at his office in Washington.

As our staff return home to RI, OSCIL is energized by the connections made, knowledge gained, and unwavering commitment of our allies in Washington. The road ahead may be challenging, but Centers for Independent Living from across the country are determined to lead with unity; together, we will continue to champion the rights and independence of people with disabilities in Rhode Island and beyond.