SAIL's free resources for people with disabilities

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL) has been providing free resources for people with disabilities for more than 30 years. As Republicans in Washington consider cutting billions of dollars to Medicaid, the non-profit is highlighting the services it offers to those in need.

“The fight is now,” stated Tyler Whitney, Executive Director of SAIL. “We have to work to protect the Medicaid and Medicare costs and programs that we offer. Without those programs, these services are not going to be able to be given.”

Whitney described the help SAIL provides as greater than what first meets the eye. “Someone might come in and say, ‘I need to borrow a wheelchair for my aging parent.’ And meanwhile, we get in the conversation of them getting homecare and we can provide that homecare or access to Medicaid and navigate that tumultuous health insurance department.”

One of the 7,000 people helped in 17 counties is Brandon Villano, a patrol officer with the Warren County Sheriff's Office. SAIL helped him return to work after an injury.

“I needed a lot of resources when I tore my quadricep tendon off my right knee: crutches, walker, shower chair, a wheelchair. Saved me at least $500 if not more,” recalled Villano.

Janet Nolan works for SAIL and also relied on the non-profit to help her father with Alzheimer's disease. “We had an aide that would come in and bathe my dad and help prepare meals and whatnot. It just gave my mom a much-needed break because it can be a lot,” explained Nolan. Her father was able to stay at home for the last three years of his life.

SAIL is 100% funded by grants. Much of that comes from Washington so Whitney said any cuts could be significant. “We are 33% federally funded so we’re keeping an eye on that and working with our lawmakers and federal program officers to ensure that these services continue.”