October is National Disability Voting Rights month, and one of our passionate self-advocates, Ackeem Duggan, was featured on CBS News New York, where he spoke about the vital importance of voting for people with IDD. Ackeem, who serves as a poll worker and coordinator in East Harlem, discussed how individuals with disabilities often face barriers to voting that aren’t always recognized.

Ackeem’s segment highlighted his role in ensuring voting accessibility, particularly through his work with specialized equipment like the Ballot Marking Device, which helps those with visual or manual limitations vote independently. His dedication to both advocating for those with IDD and providing first-hand support at the polls makes a powerful statement about the need for inclusion and accessibility in the voting process.

Hear Ackeem share his insights and experience as a poll worker, and why every vote matters for the IDD community. Watch the full segment below.

We’re proud to share that Veronica Crawford, one of our dedicated self-advocates, had the opportunity to speak with New York Public Radio’s Morning Edition about a topic that’s close to her heart—the importance of voting for people with disabilities.

In her brief but powerful segment, Veronica highlighted why voting is essential for individuals with disabilities, stressing how it empowers voices that often go unheard. She shared her personal perspective on the need for better inclusion and representation in the voting process.

Take a moment to listen to Veronica’s impactful conversation and hear why every vote matters. Listen to the clip here.

Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July to mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and promotes their full participation in all aspects of society, including employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the incredible diversity, strength, and resilience of the disability community. This month is all about raising awareness, fostering inclusion, and embracing the unique talents and perspectives of all individuals with disabilities.

Let's amplify voices, share stories, and work towards a more accessible and equitable world for everyone. Whether you're attending events, participating in discussions, or simply learning more, every action counts. Together, we can make a difference!

Do you have an INSPIRING story to share during Disability Pride Month in July? We would love to feature your story on how you are triumphing in your journey to living the life you choose in our Stories That Matter Series.  

Dear Members, Families, and Friends,

Across the country today, June 19, we mark the 159^th anniversary of Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, as it is also known. Juneteenth, a combination of the words "June" and "nineteenth," celebrates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans in the United States. Our offices are closed to demonstrate our commitment to racial justice and to support our core values in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).

Establishing Juneteenth as a corporate holiday is one of many actions we have taken to promote understanding and foster mutual respect. Our foundational DEIB work is shaping a transformative culture to advocate for greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our workplace and in support of members and families.

On June 13, we held our first DEIB Round Table for external stakeholders. The event provided a forum to listen and gather issues that matter to members and families. These diverse insights and perspectives will help to inform our advocacy strategies for members and families to ensure they represent the diverse perspectives of our members. 

Our advocacy platform is built on a strong foundation of championing disability inclusion and bringing about meaningful change for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). In our proactive efforts, we are advocating for safe and affordable housing, meaningful employment, education, access to culturally competent holistic health care, and adequate funding in the IDD delivery support system. We are committed to advocating for individuals with IDD so they may participate fully, safely, and free from prejudice in their everyday lives.

Let us gather and celebrate this Juneteenth to reflect on the history and contributions of the Black and Latin American communities. The 2024 national Juneteenth theme, “Their Wildest Dreams,” honors the achievements of freed slaves and their descendants. It is a reminder that our history is important and that while some progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. Click here for details on 2024 Juneteenth events in New York State communities that will provide opportunities for us to learn, celebrate and reflect on the holiday’s historical significance.

Our commitment to members and families is embodied in our values. These values help us demonstrate our priority of helping people with IDD live life to the fullest and on their terms. On Juneteenth, and beyond, let us discover our similarities and find new ways to shine our light and support each other!

In Gratitude & Community,

Kerry Delaney, CEO