Advance Care Alliance New York

05/30/2026

🌲🏖️Read our newest blog post to learn how you can find accessible outdoor spaces near you and make the most out of nice weather days!
➡️ https://acany.org/accessible-parks-and-recreation/

And be sure to mark your calendar for "Get Outdoors and Get Together Day", — an OPWDD-hosted statewide celebration at outdoor locations across New York, bringing "people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds together for fun, healthful activities"!
📅 Saturday, June 13
Learn more at www.ny.gov/programs/get-outdoors-get-together-day

As the weather warms up, many of us look forward to spending more time outdoors. For people with disabilities, outdoor activities can present challenges due to mobility limitations and sensory sensitivities.

05/28/2026

Curious about the NY ABLE Program and how it can help you or someone you support pay for costs such as housing, health care, transportation, education, and assistive technology?

Register now for an upcoming Virtual Learning Session on Tuesday at 12:00pm or 6:00pm!
➡️ https://acany.org/virtual-learning-sessions/

05/28/2026

💚 Taking care of your mental health is important for everyone, especially for people with disabilities. According to the National Institute of Health, anxiety, depression, and difficulties getting mental health care are more common among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Remember, you are not alone—support is available.

🔎 Search for mental health providers near you at https://www.disabilityservicesny.org/

This Mental Health Awareness Month, Mental Health America is helping people have more good days by meeting them where they are, supporting them as whole people, and understanding that “good” is subjective.

Let’s have more good days, together.

➡️ Find tools like journal prompts, worksheets, affirmations, and more at https://mhanational.org/2026-mental-health-month-action-guide/

05/26/2026

🥘Did you know some New Yorkers can use their SNAP benefits to purchase hot meals at participating restaurants?

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows eligible SNAP recipients to use their EBT card at approved restaurants across New York State, helping increase access to meals, independence, and community living.

This program may be especially helpful for people who:
- Have difficulty preparing meals independently
- Do not always have access to a kitchen
- Need additional support accessing food in the community

Eligible individuals are automatically enrolled through their SNAP benefits, and no separate application is required.

To learn more and view participating restaurants, visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/rmp/

If you are connected to ACANY or LIFEPlan CCO and have questions about SNAP or community supports, reach out to your Care Manager for assistance.

https://acany.org/use-your-snap-benefits-at-participating-restaurants-through-rmp/

Did you know some New Yorkers can use their SNAP benefits to purchase hot meals at participating restaurants?

05/25/2026

📢 Calling all ACANY and LIFEPlan CCO NY members and caregivers!

Looking for a meaningful part-time opportunity?

✨ Share your experiences.
✨ Support others navigating disability services.
✨ Make a real impact in your community.

Join us as a Member Relations Liaison and help guide and empower others on their journey!

👉 Apply here: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/9E19943AC6503710B8DEA5FF7F87FA16/jobs/146793

05/24/2026

🔎 Looking for disability services in New York state?

DSNY can help you find support and resources for...
👩‍⚕️Healthcare
🏠Housing
📖 Education
💼 Employment
🎳Community & Recreation
👩‍⚖️Legal & Financial Assistance
and more!

Visit DSNY here: https://www.disabilityservicesny.org/

05/22/2026

Thank you, Long Island!

Community Networking Events are made possible by the service providers who share resources, the self-advocates, families, and IDD professional who come to learn, and our amazing provider relations team!

We are grateful to everyone who came out to Melville to make the Long Island IDD care community stronger!

➡️ Want to join us next time? Explore upcoming Community Networking Events: https://acany.org/community-networking-events/

05/20/2026

✨Tomorrow at 11:00am!✨

Discover how certain behavior patterns may signal treatable medical conditions—and how recognizing these signs can make a meaningful difference in care.

This session will be presented by Dr. Craig Escudé, a leader in IDD healthcare with over 20 years of clinical experience. He is the author of "Clinical Pearls in IDD Healthcare" and creator of the "Curriculum in IDD Healthcare", an eLearning program designed to equip clinicians with essential knowledge and skills.

➡️ Register here to attend the session: https://acany.org/virtual-learning-sessions/

05/20/2026

Valuable connections were made at the Rockland & Orange County Community Networking Event in Nanuet!

Thank you to the community who came to learn, to the providers who came to share, and to our provider relations team for organizing this wonderful event!

➡️ Want to join us next time? Explore upcoming Community Networking Events: https://acany.org/community-networking-events/

05/19/2026

For years, Heather fought to find the right support for her son Phillip. Like so many caregivers, she faced uncertainty, setbacks, and a system that didn’t always see her son for who he truly is.

Today, Phillip is thriving in his community and living just blocks from his family.

This is a story of resilience, advocacy, and a mother who refused to give up.

Read it here ➡️ https://acany.org/a-mothers-advocacy-journey-heather-and-phillips-story/

Heather is the mother of four adult children. Her son Phillip, 27, has non-speaking autism and lives just a few blocks from his parents’ home in Brooklyn. With one-on-one support, he spends his days engaged in his community and enjoys a fulfilling life.