Systems Advocate, Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley

Cliff Perez has spent his life advocating for people with disabilities, working for both individual support and systemic change at the local, state, and federal levels. He serves as systems advocate for the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley and has helped advance disability rights through leadership on numerous boards, committees, and task forces.

Born with a visual impairment, Cliff became an early advocate while attending Hudson Valley Community College, where he successfully pushed for the creation of an Office of Disabled Student Services. Throughout his career, he has helped improve accessibility in education, transportation, voting, vocational rehabilitation, and healthcare. He played an active role in the passage and implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and has fought to protect Medicaid and expand independent living opportunities for people with disabilities. His work has improved countless lives and strengthened disability rights nationwide.