A Message from CEO Erik Geizer (Continued) CDD’S ADVOCACY INSTITUTE
i individualized services and advocacy for people with disabilities. We very much appreciate the partnership with CDD and look forward to continuing to build a strong coalition of advocates across New York state! This event was another effort to work towards our Strategic goal of being recognized as the state’s highest quality and largest provider of
CHAPTER PARTNERSHIPS
Philip Aydinian, Director of Governmental Affairs
On September 21, The New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities partnered with The Arc New York and New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation to present their first- ever Advocacy Institute. The event was a joint effort to provide opportunities to a diverse group of self-advocates across New York state who are new to advocacy or want to expand their advocacy skills. Director of Quality, Compliance & Chapter Relations & CDD Member Josh Christiana and Philip Aydinian, Director of Governmental Affairs, represented The Arc New York at this groundbreaking event. The day consisted of educational sessions by advocacy champions such as BJ Stasio and Max Donatelli, who shared their Art of Advocacy program. Attendees heard from family and self-advocates such as Katy Faivre and Chester Finn, and were taught essential skills by Serena Lowe during her “Advocacy Baseball” session. Attendees were also joined by New York State Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara, who shared his experience advocating with legislators. Attendees were able to practice their new skills in an interactive advocacy session with Santabarbara.
Liberty ARC (Montgomery) and Schenectady ARC recently announced they are exploring the possibility of unifying the two agencies! Over the summer, the agencies sent out a joint letter to family members, people supported, and staff, noting that with the retirement of Kirk Lewis at the end of 2023, it is the right time to make the connection. Liberty and Schenectady have a long history of collaboration; a unification will leverage the strengths of these two respected organizations, allowing them to share their expertise for the benefit of the people they support and enhance programs and services in both counties. We are excited to see the growth that will result from these agencies working together!
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