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."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"Honoring Trailblazers During Pride Month In honor of Pride Month, we’re highlighting four trailblazers who live at the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and disability advocacy leaders whose work inspires inclusion, equity, and meaningful change across our communities. Their work affirms…
Continue Reading "PRIDE IN ADVOCACY: CELEBRATING LGBTQIA+ VOICES CHAMPIONING THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY"June has been declared Rights Promotion Month by our CCO. It is a time to celebrate empowerment, dignity, and the voices of those we serve. Care Managers play a vital role in educating members about their rights and supporting them…
Continue Reading "JUNE IS RIGHTS PROMOTION MONTH"Tips for Traveling Traveling can be difficult for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), regardless of the distance or duration of the trip. A change in routine, unfamiliar or overstimulating surroundings, and physical barriers can present challenges when traveling.…
Continue Reading "GET AWAY THIS SUMMER"Voices Matter. Advocacy Matters. Join Angela's House for the 31st Annual Legislative Breakfast 10/2/26 at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington as community leaders, advocates, providers, families, and policymakers come together to advance opportunities and improve the lives of people with IDD and their families. Register here: https://angelashouse.rallybound.org/31st-annual-legislative-breakfast/donate/tickets
