Today we have on the show Mr. Joe Bravo, the Executive Director of the Westchester Independent Living Center, Inc. (WILC) and its satellite office, the Putnam Independent Living Services (PILS).

Download | Duration: 00:55:15

Mr. Bravo was born and raised in New York City, and disabled at the age of 12. He spent his early teen years in rehabilitation at Helen Hayes Hospital.  After getting his education, his first job was as Advocacy Director for the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association.  Following that, he became Equal Employment Officer for Sullivan County, New York.  His interest in and commitment to the growing Independent Living movement led him to become the Executive Director of WILC in 1981, when it became one of the first 6 centers established in New York State.  He has held that position for the past 26 years.  During that time, he has been a leader in the disability rights movement.  He is a current Board Member of NYAIL - the New York Association for Independent Living, past Chair of NYSILC - the New York State Independent Living Council, and past Chair of AILCNY - the Association of Independent Living Centers in New York.  He has been responsible for the establishment of two grassroots consumer organizations - the Rockland Independent Living Center and the Westchester Consumer Empowerment Center.

Mr. Bravo’s commitment to Independent Living has spanned 3 decades.  And, his belief in consumer control and empowerment has not waned.   Mr. Bravo realizes that people with disabilities must continue to fight for their right to be independent and full participants in our society.  Over the past several years, he has become a strong proponent for self-preparedness and the importance for persons with disabilities to be prepared for an emergency - no matter what its cause, as self-preparedness is empowerment at its most basic level.