PRESS & MEDIA
Press Releases
Whether statements on current events and breaking news, or releases on the latest ICS happenings, we hope you enjoy exploring our press releases section. ICS prides itself on being an informative source for members on the latest developments within the organization, within the disability community, and New York and beyond. Happy reading!
ICS Expanding Services into Westchester County
Independence Care System (ICS) is continuing the expansion of its Health Home program across New York State to provide disability-competent care and essential services for adults with physical disabilities, with the latest focus on Westchester County. Read more.
Statement From ICS President and CEO Regina Martinez-Estela on the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
We take time to celebrate and reflect on the civil rights law that has changed the lives of people with disabilities across America for the better, while recognizing the challenges that must be addressed moving forward. Read more.
ICS Kicks Off Expansion into Richmond County, Staten Island with Wheelchair Maintenance Workshop
Independence Care System (ICS) began the official expansion of its Health Home program in Richmond County, Staten Island with a wheelchair maintenance workshop at The Staten Island Center for Independent Living. ICS will now provide crucial services and disability-expert care for people with physical disabilities across the borough. Read more.
ICS Recipient of Grant to Build a Primary Care Center of Excellence
Independence Care System (ICS) was recently named the recipient of an Affinity Legacy Community Grant to develop a Center of Excellence in Primary Care for people with physical disabilities in partnership with New York City Health and Hospitals (H+H), the largest community hospital system in the country. Read more.
New ICS Thrive Social Adult Day Program Supporting People With Disabilities Launches This May
ICS Thrive, which will offer a fun and interactive five-hour day program with an exciting series of activities, will begin Tuesday, May 9. The program will operate out of the ICS Brooklyn office, running on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am – 4pm. Those who wish to enroll must obtain a referral from their MLTC to register. Read more.
ICS Expanding Services into Richmond County, Staten Island, Hosting Wheelchair Maintenance Workshop
Independence Care System (ICS) is expanding its Health Home program to provide essential services and quality care for people with physical disabilities in Richmond County, Staten Island. The expansion kickoff will begin with a special wheelchair maintenance workshop at The Staten Island Center for Independent Living on Monday, May 22 from 1:30-3:00pm. Read more.
Health Home Advocacy Specialist Marcus Johnson Co-Teaches Engineering Courses at Yale University
Mr. Johnson, CRC, LMHC, BC-TMH, CASAC-T, was recently appointed as a lecturer at Yale University School of Engineering and Applied Science, where he is currently collaborating with fellow lecturer and longtime friend Ron Adrezin, PhD, PE, to teach two engineering courses this spring. Both courses are centered around a curriculum for students that focuses on the design and development of technology that supports people with physical disabilities. Read more.
State Senator Gustavo Rivera Discusses Senate Bill S4789 With ICS Staff, Civics League for Disability Rights Members
At a roundtable discussion at ICS’ Bronx office, the Senator discussed his bill which would establish a specialized Health Home program to serve people with physical disabilities, and heard first-hand accounts from members about the personal challenges and obstacles they face in getting services. Read more.
Statement from ICS President and CEO Regina Martinez-Estela on the passing of Judy Heumann
This weekend we lost a tremendous voice and human being in Judy Heumann, a stalwart advocate for people with disabilities and civil rights leader whose tireless work led to her being considered by many to be “the mother of the disability rights movement.” Read more.
Health Home Advocacy Specialist Marcus Johnson Presents at SUNY Upstate Medical University’s Health Justice Conference
In his presentation — “Shared Advocacy: The Care is Not Complex, The System is” — Mr. Johnson discussed the complexity of the U.S. healthcare system, the challenges and biases people with disabilities encounter with doctors and care providers, and why collaborative, disability-competent advocacy can make a difference. Read more.
ICS recognized again as Leading Disability Employer by National Organization on Disability
The designation is a public recognition applauding ICS for leading the way in disability inclusion, establishing comprehensive disability strategies with policies, procedures and resources, and tapping into the many benefits of hiring talent with disabilities. Read more.
Statement from ICS President and CEO Regina Martinez-Estela on the passage of the IRA
While the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is indeed historic and important, it also leaves out several provisions that would have greatly supported people with disabilities. Read more.
Our City is better off when people with disabilities can contribute
ICS has been recognized as a 2021 Leading Disability Employer by the National Organization on Disability, a national recognition of ICS’ leadership in disability inclusion and tapping into the many benefits of hiring talent with disabilities. Read more.
ICS Statement on the Derek Chauvin Verdicts
We are grateful that the jury saw fit to hold Derek Chauvin accountable for his terrible abuse of power. Read more.
Disability Advocates Praise New York State Medicaid Changes
A string of complaints from people with disabilities whose Medicaid insurance plans refused to cover wheelchairs appropriate to their needs has led to new guidelines that will take effect on February 1. Read more.
Founder Rick Surpin Steps Down from Independence Care System
After transitioning to the role of co-president last spring, Independence Care System (ICS) founder and former president Rick Surpin has now retired from the organization, as Co-president Regina Martinez-Estela ascends to the role of president. Mr. Surpin will remain on the ICS board and will serve the organization in an advisory role. Read more.
Independence Care System Now Led by Co-Presidents
Long serving President and Chief Executive Officer Rick Surpin and Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Regina Estela now lead the organization as co-presidents. Read more.
Independence Care System Statement on Racism, the Death of George Floyd, and Our National Outpouring of Grief
ICS stands in solidarity with all people of good faith who refuse to be silent in the face of racism, and the violence, injustice and inequality it spawns. Read more.
Women with Disabilities Praise ICS Breast Cancer Awareness Event
The year’s ICS Breast Cancer Awareness Month brought together women with disabilities for Wheelchair Zumba, breast and gynecological health presentations, and a special reading and book signing with Nadina LaSpina, disability rights advocate and author of the new book, “Such a Pretty Girl—A Story of Struggle, Empowerment and Disability Pride.” Read more.
ICS Members Tell Lawmakers about Disability Bias in Healthcare
ICS members with disabilities described their experiences in trying to get health care, how they received subpar service due to their disabilities, and how their sexual activity and reproductive health is ignored by medical professionals. Read more.
Outstanding Multiple Sclerosis Care Recognized in the Bronx
Independence Care System (ICS) joined today in celebrating BronxCare’s Multiple Sclerosis practice, which the MS Society has designated the Bronx’s only National MS Comprehensive Care Center. Read more.
ICS President Honored by Commissioner, Mayor
Independence Care System (ICS) President and CEO Rick Surpin was honored at a Gracie Mansion ceremony for his decades of fighting to ensure that New Yorkers with disabilities are able to get the services required to live independently, at home, in their communities – rather than be forced to live in institutions. Read more.
NYC Health + Hospitals Honors ICS Healthcare Advocate Marilyn Saviola
NYC Health + Hospitals’ Vice President of Ambulatory Care, Dr. Ted Long, honored Marilyn E. Saviola, the founder of the Independence Care System (ICS) Women’s Health Program and nationally recognized disability-rights advocate for her unwavering advocacy for the rights of people with physical disabilities to live at home, in the community as independently as possible. Read more.
ICS and NYC Health + Hospitals Celebrate New Radiology Suite Designed for People with Disabilities
NYC Health + Hospitals’ Vice President of Ambulatory Care Dr. Ted Long, New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera, and Independence Care System of New York Senior Vice President Marilyn Saviola, today opened a newly renovated radiology suite at NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Morrisania. Read more.
Independence Care System Now Offers Expert Medicaid Eligibility Services
Each day people lose their Medicaid health coverage through no fault of their own. This endangers their health and wellbeing, while the organizations that provide them with care lose millions of dollars in essential funds. Read more.
First Disability-expert Health Home Program Opens in New York City
New York City – Independence Care System (ICS) has opened the first and only health home program in New York to specialize in care coordination for people with physical disabilities. This new Medicaid-funded program will help people who are at high risk for health crises remain independent, at home, in their communities, protecting them from institutional confinement. Read more.