Member Relations
ACANY Member Relations expands the reach of Care Management to support Members and families by connecting them to support, education, and advocacy opportunities to enrich and improve their lives.
ACANY provides multiple ways for Members and families to stay engaged, informed, and involved. From e‑newsletters to virtual learning sessions and peer connections, these resources are here to help you learn, share, and navigate your journey with confidence.
Stay Informed. Stay Connected. Make Your Voice Heard.
Signing up for our free e‑newsletters is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to stay informed, connected, and empowered.
Our newsletters deliver timely updates and trusted information directly to your inbox, including:
- Important industry news and regulatory updates that may impact services, supports, and rights
- Helpful tools and resources to support everyday life, planning, and independence
- Virtual Learning Sessions (formerly Member and Family Forums) featuring education, discussion, and shared experiences
- Community networking opportunities to connect with healthcare and community providers, peers, advocates, and Care Managers.
- Ways to raise your voice and take action on issues that matter to you and your family
- Clear information about benefits and services, so you don’t miss out on available supports
By subscribing, you’ll stay connected to the latest information, opportunities, and advocacy efforts, helping you make informed decisions and feel confident navigating systems that affect your life and future.
Explore Opportunities to Learn, Connect, and Engage:
Virtual Learning Session, formerly known as Member and Family Forums are held monthly on topics of interest to Members, families, and others in the IDD community. Popular topics include benefits, guardianship, enrollment and eligibility, transitions, and future planning. ACANY Members are notified via Member E-news.
This Enews is designed to meet the interests of those new to Care Management. Basic information is provided each month, and access to helpful resources that explain the Care Management process and other aspects of receiving OPWDD services. New Members to ACANY receive this email in the first six months of membership.
New Members are invited to attend a bi-monthly orientation meeting, held virtually, to learn basic information about Care Management and ACANY. It is also where New Members can ask questions.
Member Relations hosts bi-monthly, one-hour online Drop-in Sessions. Liaisons are parents or caregivers of members who understand the journey and can share in your experience. Take advantage of this opportunity to share thoughts, ask questions, and find resources.
Self-Advocates who are members receiving services from ACANY are invited to attend monthly meetings to be a part of the ACANY Self-Advocates’ community. Do you want to meet other ACANY members like you and make some new friends? Let’s share resources, discuss concerns, compare notes, and support each other virtually. Bring your thoughts and ideas to an introductory meeting.
Member Support
Members are supported throughout their journey by numerous Member Relations programs. Working alongside Care Management teams, Member Relations offers a Member and Family Advisory Council, connection to resources, and peer support to address barriers or concerns experienced by Members and their families.
Member and Family Advisory Council
The Member and Family Advisory Council (MFAC) is comprised of ACANY members and families serving as the membership’s voice. MFAC offers a forum to share ideas on topics important to our members, provide input, and offer their experiences and unique perspectives to enhance policies and program development that affect the care and services that members receive.
The MFAC serves to:
- Seek and learn from the Member and family perspective
- Promote a culture of person-centered care
- Guide policy and program development through collaboration to improve practices
- Enhance the delivery of high-quality services