On October 8, 2025, a panel of leaders and advocates from the Office of the Chief Disability Officer of the State of New York discussed the intersections of aging and disability in this year’s Nancy M. Sills ’76 Memorial Lecture on Aging Law and Policy, hosted by the Government Law Center and Institute for Aging and Disability Law at Albany Law School. Panelists highlighted statewide efforts to examine aging law and policy through a disability lens and identified strategies to address the unmet needs of New Yorkers with disabilities across the lifespan.

“As our society increasingly navigates complex issues related to longevity, care, and equity, it is imperative that we approach these challenges through an inclusive lens. We are privileged to host Kimberly Hill Ridley, Chief Disability Officer of the State of New York, and her dedicated team, for this program honoring the legacy of distinguished alumna and advocate Nancy M. Sills ’76,” said Cinnamon P. Carlarne, 19th President and Dean of Albany Law School.

“We are grateful to this panel of accomplished public servants, who are leading efforts to integrate the lived experiences of people with disabilities into aging law and policy in New York State, for sharing their time and expertise with lawyers, leaders, and students in our community,” said Patrick Wildes ’16, Director of the Government Law Center.

Panelists included: 
•    Kimberly Hill Ridley – Chief Disability Officer 
•    Benjamin Thapa, Esq. ’11 – Associate Director 
•    Holly Saupp – Associate Director 
•    Kym Buchan – Senior Executive Assistant 
•    Christopher Woodfill – Executive Director, New York State Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Office 
•    Rachel Cahill – ASL Interpreter, NIC 
•    MaryBeth Schneider – Inclusive Internship Coordinator 
•    Andy Sink – Employment First Director 
•    Jennifer Perkins – Strategic Advisor 

The discussion was moderated by: 
•    Prof. Rose Mary Bailly – Special Consultant on Aging and Disability Law, coordinator of the Institute for Aging and Disability Law, and Adjunct Professor at Albany Law School
•    Chel Miller – Program Director of the Government Law Center at Albany Law School

Watch the video recording; click to view photos.