A Call for Equity and Inclusion On June 19, we observe Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Black Americans learned of their freedom—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a day of both remembrance and…
Continue Reading "OBSERVING JUNETEENTH"A Resource for Drivers with Autism The Blue Envelope Program helps drivers with autism and other individuals with special needs to communicate with a police officer during a traffic stop. Participants can pick up a blue envelope at their…
Continue Reading "THE BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM"Did you know that you have the right to challenge the decisions that are made by OPWDD, Social Security, Medicaid, private insurance, etc.? Waiver Eligibility/Waiver Service Denials Have you or your loved one been denied Waiver services? You have the…
Continue Reading "RIGHTS PROMOTION MONTH: SERVICE DENIALS AND APPEALS"Comment on Section 504 To Keep Buildings Accessible The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued what is called a “direct final rule” on Section 504. This will eliminate a long-standing requirement that newly constructed buildings built with federal funding be…
Continue Reading "SECTION 504 COMMENTS DUE BY JUNE 16"Communication access ensures that a person receives information in ways they can understand: Using plain and preferred language, visuals, assistive technology, interpreters, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), etc. It’s not just about understanding words. It is about making sure…
Continue Reading "RIGHTS PROMOTION MONTH: COMMUNICATION ACCESS FOR ALL!"A Response to CNN’s Article on the Return of the R-Word Last week, CNN published an article highlighting the alarming return of the R-word in media and public discourse. At ACANY, we want to be unequivocally clear: This word is…
Continue Reading "WORDS MATTER. RESPECT MATTERS."We are excited to share a valuable resource for our community: ABLEnow, a national, tax-advantaged savings program designed specifically for people with disabilities. What is ABLEnow? ABLEnow accounts allow people to save and invest money without jeopardizing their eligibility for…
Continue Reading "NEW RESOURCE: EMPOWERING FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE WITH ABLENOW"The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) wants to hear from you! As part of the 2023-2027 OPWDD Strategic Plan, OPWDD is inviting the public to one of their 2025 Strategic Planning Forums. These forums will include: A brief…
Continue Reading "OPWDD WANTS YOUR OPINION"Care Managers are dedicated to helping members and their families create opportunities and support systems that respect their individuality, preferences, needs, and values. The people we serve are the center of their planning and decision-making. Some of the ways that…
Continue Reading "RIGHTS PROMOTION MONTH: PERSON-CENTERED ENGAGEMENT"Explore LGBTQIA+ Events Across New York State At ACANY, we’re proud to celebrate Pride Month by uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community and honoring the vibrant intersection of identity, advocacy, and belonging. As part of our commitment to inclusive, person-centered care,…
Continue Reading "CELEBRATING PRIDE ACROSS NEW YORK: EVENTS, COMMUNITY, AND CONNECTION"
