Expanded partnership: A man holds up his hand for a "high five" as a young man who has Down syndrome does the same.

Expanded Partnership with Kennedy Willis Center

Partnership Expands and Enhances Services for Members

ACANY is pleased to announce it is joining LIFEPlan in an expanded partnership with the Kennedy Willis Center on Down syndrome. Established in 1996 as a leading resource center in research, education, and life planning needs, the Kennedy Willis Center has spent the last decade advancing its knowledge and expertise in the areas of aging and dementia services for individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“We want to ensure the delivery of quality care across a person’s entire lifespan–but what we consistently hear from families and providers is the unfortunate gaps in available services and training programs that support age and cognitive-related changes for older populations. Establishing readily accessible resources and collaborating with leading provider organizations like ACANY and LIFEPlan CCO will reaffirm the commitment to comprehensive and long-term quality services for people and their caregivers,” said Brittany Goodrich, Kennedy Willis Center Director.

Partnership benefits

Through this partnership, the Center will work closely with ACANY and LIFEPlan, two of New York State’s largest Care Coordination Organizations, which formed a strategic partnership in 2021 that allowed for the expansion of inclusive services to its Members and families through a network of highly trained human service and healthcare professionals. Today, their services support over 44,000 Members across 45 counties in New York State.

“We recognize the importance of person-centered services and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Nick Cappoletti, CEO at ACANY and LIFEPlan. “By partnering with the Kennedy Willis Center, we can further expand and enhance our Care Management and clinical support to our Members with Down syndrome and those who are experiencing age-related cognitive issues. ACANY and LIFEPlan are committed to forming partnerships with experts to better serve our Members and their families.”

Agreement enhancements

Through the agreement, the Center’s staff will maintain a call center for families and direct care staff, participate in service plan meetings, conduct baseline dementia assessments, present specialty webinars, and regularly distribute newsletters and other educational materials. Working closely with ACANY and LIFEPlan’s leadership, including their clinical, Care Management, CCANY Institute for Learning and Development, and Member and Provider Relations teams, will facilitate an efficient and effective, person-centered process for assessments, referrals, and consultations.

“This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to extend the Center’s specialty services to individuals, families, and community-based service providers most in need across the Empire State. This partnership adds specialized tools for ACANY and LIFEPlan Members and will help families and service providers navigate aging supports,” added Karen Knavel, Pathfinder Village’s President and Chief Executive Officer.