2026 Award Winners
Joe Bravo: A Story of a Life Well Lived
People become disabled in many different ways. For Joe Bravo, disability came when he was 12 years old. One minute he was riding his bike on the streets of New York. The next, he was laying on the ground after being shot in the spine by someone with a rifle. As a result, Joe became a paraplegic. A moment like that could have broken someone’s spirit. But not Joe. He didn’t just survive it – he built an extraordinary life.
Following seven months of rehab, Joe went back to school. At 16 he was introduced to wheelchair basketball and was hooked. Through sports he met athletes with disabilities who were living fulfilling independent lives, working, getting married, and having children. This inspired him to work in the disability field. He graduated in 1978 from Long Island University and six months later began working as an advocate at the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association. In 1979, Joe married the love of his life and partner, Nadine.
In 1981, when federal monies established 6 Independent Living Centers in New York State, Joe became the Executive Director of the Westchester Independent Living Center (WILC). For the next 40 years, Joe developed the center into a robust organization serving Westchester and Putnam counties and expanding some programs into New York City. As director, Joe also helped to establish other grassroots organizations, including the Rockland Independent Living Center and the Westchester Empowerment Center.
Throughout his career, Joe served on numerous boards, most notably as Chair of the NY State Council on Independent Living, Board Member of the NY Association on Independent Living, and peer consultant for the Rehabilitation Services Administration. Joe inspired and guided countless people with disabilities to pursue their dreams.
After his retirement in 2020, he and Nadine moved to Delaware, where he remained involved in the disability community serving on the Architectural Accessibility Board of Delaware, and serving as a Peer Reviewer for the Administration on Community Living.
Joe was a leader, advocate, athlete and a force to be reckoned with. Joe’s influence and impact will resound for years to come.
Spina Bifida Association of New York State
The Spina Bifida Association of New York State (SBANYS) is a statewide nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by spina bifida. Spina Bifida occurs when a baby’s neural tube fails to develop or close properly – the literal meaning for Spina Bifida is “split spine.” It occurs within the first 28 days of pregnancy while the neural tube is forming, often before a person knows they are pregnant.
Founded in 1993 as Spina Bifida Association of Northeastern New York by a group of dedicated parents, based upon the unmet needs they saw and the lack of consumer education and networking the organization transitioned to SBANYS, expanding their coverage area to the entire State of New York in 2020. SBANYS has grown into a vital resource offering education, advocacy, and direct services to individuals across New York State.
Central to SBANYS’s mission is a strong commitment to the principles of independent living. The board of directors includes people living with Spina Bifida, their families, professionals and advocates and is lead by Executive Director, Julia Duff. The organization recognizes that people with disabilities are the best experts on their own lives and works to ensure they have the tools, resources, and opportunities to live with dignity, autonomy, and full community participation. Through peer support, self-advocacy training, and systems navigation, SBANYS empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare, education, employment, and daily lives.
The organization advocates for accessible housing, transportation, and community-based supports, reinforcing the idea that independence is rooted in having meaningful choices and control over one’s environment. Through its ongoing efforts, SBANYS continues to strengthen the capacity of individuals with Spina Bifida to lead self-directed lives and to be active, valued members of their communities. SBANYS and ILCHV are partners, working together towards a more accessible and just world.
This commitment to empowerment, advocacy, and community integration exemplifies the spirit of the Janet Sanders Leadership Award.