New York State Disabilities Advocacy Association

What is the New York State Disabilities Advocacy Association?

The NYS Disabilities Advocacy Association is a newly-formed, membership-based, independent advocacy network. Start-up funding for this cross-system, independent, non-governmental membership organization is being provided by the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC). The Support Center for Nonprofit Management is providing management support as this Association develops and implements its long-term plan for independence and sustainability.

What is the goal/purpose of the NYS Disabilities Advocacy Association?

The Association’s goal is to create an advocacy network - a cross-system, independent, non-governmental, membership association that will serve as a resource for efficient information and resource sharing - and to strengthen the disability advocacy system by connecting and coordinating resources across service systems throughout New York State. The Association’s purpose is to support and build the advocacy capacity in New York State without duplicating any current advocacy efforts or services.

What is the working mission of the NYS Disabilities Advocacy Association?

The Association’s working mission is to serve as a resource and advocate for the needs of the organizations, groups, and individual advocates who are providing advocacy services for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Why is there a need for a Disabilities Advocacy Association?

New York State has many disability advocates, advocacy associations, organizations, agencies, and groups. However, there are few opportunities for these individuals/entities to talk with each other and learn about what other systems/organizations/individuals are doing. And, while there are unique issues within each service arena, there are significant common challenges that all are faced with. The demographics of NYS are dramatically changing. The baby boomers are aging. The number of people with disabilities continues to rise. The demand for quality health care, personal safety, transportation, education, employment, and full participation in all of our communities and our communities’ activities is expanding. There are ever increasing demands on all of our service systems. Whether one works in the areas of mental health, physical or neurological disabilities, substance abuse, education, etc.; whether one works with children, adults, seniors, or families - the common thread is that all disability advocates who represent and speak on behalf of the interests and needs of NYS individuals with disabilities and their families want New Yorkers with disabilities and their families to have access to the quality services that they desire/need.

This is not a business-as-usual initiative. The Association’s membership will include disability advocates, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and grassroots advocacy groups that provide advocacy services for individuals with disabilities and their families. It will promote efficient information and resource sharing, capacity building, systemic change, and support small grassroots advocacy groups. It will be a forum for diverse voices across service systems. It will connect service systems across New York State. The Association will offer support to the providers of advocacy services and not provide any services to individuals directly. The Association will offer a central access and direction point for disability advocacy information and services in New York State.

For more information about the NYS Disabilities Advocacy Association, contact:

Kathryn Cappella, Executive Director
New York State Disabilities Advocacy Association
Tel: 585-533-1154
Email: kc@supportcenteronline.org