NY Alliance

NY Alliance NYSACRA is a catalyst and leading advocate for people who have developmental disabilities and organizations that support them.

The New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, a statewide association of non-profit providers, is the result of the coming together of NYSACRA and NYSRA; both representing 40 years, respectively, of advancing the interests of provider organizations

While people with disabilities have made tremendous progress with disability rights, one of the biggest challenges has b...
10/01/2025

While people with disabilities have made tremendous progress with disability rights, one of the biggest challenges has been and remains with employment rights. As a result, October is designated as Disability Employment Awareness Month, looking at the best ways to address this issue and open up more equitable opportunities for people with disabilities.

NY Alliance is no stranger to this work, offering webinars exploring this topic year-round. Take a look at these offerings here: https://nyalliance.org/Employment_for_People_with_I_DD

Happy birthday to our Chief Innovation Officer, Ann Hardiman! Ann has been a tireless advocate for disability rights for...
10/01/2025

Happy birthday to our Chief Innovation Officer, Ann Hardiman! Ann has been a tireless advocate for disability rights for over thirty years, from leading NYSACRA to serving on President Obama’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. She has always recognized the need for new ideas in this field and has never stopped learning or adapting in her work. Happy birthday Ann!

ICYMI: Latima Anderson-Mason, a parent of a person with an I/DD, discusses her pursuit of guardianship for her daughter ...
09/30/2025

ICYMI: Latima Anderson-Mason, a parent of a person with an I/DD, discusses her pursuit of guardianship for her daughter while ensuring she continues to make her own decisions. Don’t miss this particularly important episode! Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Did you know that curb ramps, originally designed for wheelchair users, also help parents with strollers, travelers with...
09/29/2025

Did you know that curb ramps, originally designed for wheelchair users, also help parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, and cyclists? This is the curb-cut effect: when we design for accessibility, we create solutions that improve life for everyone.

What if the key to attracting and engaging employees lies in designing for accessibility? The curb-cut effect shows us that when we remove barriers for one group, we create a better experience for everyone. Think flexible work arrangements, clear communication, and supportive policies - they don’t just help some employees; they elevate the entire workplace.

For any DEIB advocates working at a human services agency, you can use the curb-cut effect and our DEIB toolkit to improve belonging for you and your coworkers. Here are some ideas:

Center Marginalized Voices When There are Issues: Actively include people with disabilities, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and other underrepresented groups in decision-making. Their insights lead to innovations that benefit broader communities.

Flexible Work Design: Offer adaptable schedules, remote options, or modified duties to accommodate employees with disabilities, caregivers, or those managing health conditions. Flexibility reduces burnout and signals that you value work-life balance; a major draw for top talent.

Inclusive Onboarding & Growth: Ensure training, mentorship, and career development are accessible to all. For example, provide materials in multiple formats (audio, visual, text) and create pathways for all employees to advance. When people see growth opportunities tailored to their needs, engagement soars.

Psychological Safety & Belonging: Foster a culture where employees feel safe to share their needs without fear of stigma. Regular check-ins, anonymous feedback channels, and affinity groups help employees thrive. A workplace where people feel heard and supported is a workplace where they stay.

Heal Through Inclusion: Acknowledge historical inequities and design solutions that repair harm while creating systemic improvements. For example, trauma-informed principles benefit the people impacted and foster safer spaces for all employees. Even if an employee is not directly impacted, an organizational issue could influence their belonging at work.

What’s one “curb-cut” change your organization could make to attract more talent and keep employees engaged?
Check out the toolkit (https://workforcetransformation.org/deib-toolkit/section-iii-acknowledge-and-heal/) and drop your ideas in the comments or share this with a leader who’s building a more inclusive workplace!

Image Source: https://sketchplanations.com/the-curb-cut-effect

Our Member Monday highlight this week focuses on a relatively recent merger between two longtime supporters of the IDD c...
09/29/2025

Our Member Monday highlight this week focuses on a relatively recent merger between two longtime supporters of the IDD community, Beyond Support Network! Based out of Buffalo, Beyond Support Network and its predecessors have innovated in their work in a variety of different ways.

09/26/2025

Governor Hochul announced that $25 million in capital project grants will go toward the development of Regional Disability Health Clinics through the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

The last full week of September marks the International Week of Deaf People, honoring the importance of both Deaf cultur...
09/24/2025

The last full week of September marks the International Week of Deaf People, honoring the importance of both Deaf culture and the accommodations Deaf people need. Learn more about this week of awareness and check out the themed days to mark the occasion here: https://wfdeaf.org/international-week-of-deaf-people-2025/

Out now: Latima Anderson-Mason, a parent of a person with an I/DD, discusses her pursuit of guardianship for her daughte...
09/23/2025

Out now: Latima Anderson-Mason, a parent of a person with an I/DD, discusses her pursuit of guardianship for her daughter while ensuring she continues to make her own decisions. Don’t miss this particularly important episode! Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Today marks the full day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It allows those who celebrate a time for reflection and ...
09/23/2025

Today marks the full day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It allows those who celebrate a time for reflection and introspection, and as such, we at the NY Alliance wish all who celebrate Shana Tova and a meaningful Rosh Hashanah.

This week, our Member Monday spotlight turns local with a feature on the Arc of Rensselaer County! Through a combination...
09/22/2025

This week, our Member Monday spotlight turns local with a feature on the Arc of Rensselaer County! Through a combination of innovative services and robust training, The Arc of Rensselaer County ensures that those with I/DD in Troy and the surrounding area get the resources they need.

Coming September 23rd: Latima Anderson-Mason, a parent of a person with an I/DD, discusses her pursuit of guardianship f...
09/19/2025

Coming September 23rd: Latima Anderson-Mason, a parent of a person with an I/DD, discusses her pursuit of guardianship for her daughter while ensuring she continues to make her own decisions. Don’t miss this particularly important episode! Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Address

240 Washington Avenue Ext, Ste 501
Albany, NY
12203

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15187953590

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Our Story

The New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation (New York Alliance) envisions a society where people with disabilities live full, productive and meaningful lives with access to opportunities of independence, inclusion, employment and other life-enrichment experiences. We are committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities through our advocacy, advancement of public policy, education and training and technical assistance. Visit the New York Alliance at www.nyalliance.org to learn more.