Volunteer & Engagement Opportunities
The Center offers a variety of volunteer & engagement opportunities. If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back to the Center for Disability Services and the people we support, check out all the ways below:
Steering Committee: This committee serves as the steering committee for the programs and services offered by the Family Network. Service on the Steering Committee includes a one-year term and at least four scheduled meetings a year.
Meet the members of our steering committee!
- Theresa Bessette
- Sue Nevins
- Laureen Calautti
- Robyn Taylor
- Jessica Troiano
Advocacy Committee: The Advocacy sub committee would identify legislative actions to endorse or advocate against. The committee would train volunteers from families to participate and serve as advocacy ambassadors at Center events and identify a select group of committed volunteer families to participate in face-to-face meetings with legislators and share their story.
This committee would also seek to educate families and staff on the importance of legislative advocacy’s role on behalf of those with disabilities and provide tools and guidance for correspondence advocacy actions.
Communications: The communications sub committee will help drive social media participation and engagement, offer suggestions and support to our communications team to help connect families and spread the word about Center activities.
Family Education, Mentorship & Support: This sub committee will identify the needs of families of those served by the Center and help plan and offer educational programs, support groups, and mentorship opportunities. It will also engage in identifying and training family volunteers to lead/participate in these opportunities.
Advocacy
Advocacy is crucial for families of people with disabilities because it empowers them to advocate for their rights, access necessary resources, and ensure their loved ones receive the support they need to live fulfilling lives.
Here are a few reasons why advocacy is so important:
Access to Services: Families may need help navigating complex systems, such as healthcare, education, and social services.
Legal Rights: Families with disabilities often need support in understanding and asserting legal rights, including those protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and other laws that provide protections and accommodations for people with disabilities.
Representation: Families may struggle to have their voices heard in policy-making or decision-making processes. Advocacy ensures that families' concerns and needs are represented at the local, state, and national levels.
Fighting Stigma: Advocacy helps raise awareness and combat misconceptions or stigma around disabilities. It encourages a more inclusive society and promotes understanding and empathy.
Improved Quality of Life: Advocates can help secure access to better healthcare, educational opportunities, and community participation, which directly impacts the quality of life for both the individual with disabilities and their family.
Building Community Support: Advocacy often brings families together, helping them form networks of support, share resources, and collaborate to create positive change.
In short, advocacy helps level the playing field, ensuring that people with disabilities and their families have equal opportunities and a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
Here are ways you can become active in advocacy actions with The Center for Disability Services.
Know Your Legislators
Advocacy Ambassadorship
Become a member of the advocacy committee! Volunteer to meet with legislators at Center events or in person. Contact Stephanie Smith, Director of Family Engagement & Program Development, at 518-944-2109 or at stephanie.smith@cfdsny.org.
Take Action With Correspondence Advocacy
Utilize the easy correspondence portal through our partners at CP State and contact your NYS and Federal legislators about issues important to families of those with disabilities today!
National Disability Right Network
Parent & Family Programming
The Parent and Family Education Series: Educational and social programs and/or trainings will be offered 4 to 6 times per year. The opportunities are based on feedback from Center families. Check out our calendar for details!
Support Groups
The Center for Disability Services is working toward providing opportunities for support groups. We would appreciate your feedback and suggestions on how we can meet the needs of families regarding support and networking groups. As more information becomes available, we will post it here.
Mentorship Opportunities
The Center is piloting a new program called The Caring Connection, a mentorship for families who are new to or considering services through the Center. This is your chance to help a family exploring the Center for Disability Services or a family new to receiving our services, and utilize all the knowledge you have gained to help them navigate this transitional time. You will be paired with a new or prospective family to answer questions, give advice, or just lend an ear. If you would like to help a new family put their best foot forward and maximize your experience, please contact Stephanie Smith, Director of Family Engagement & Program Development, at 518-944-2109 or at stephanie.smith@cfdsny.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Center’s many services and programs provide ample opportunity to become more involved. Check out the list of volunteer opportunities listed below.
Giving
Families of people receiving services here at the Center are in the best position to know how critical funding is to the continued high standard of care for their loved ones. We hope you make the choice to support when and how you can. Every dollar counts, and there are several ways to make a financial impact, whether it be as a participant at one of our signature fundraising events or by making a contribution to the Center’s many programs or Annual Fund. We encourage you to lead by example. Visit our giving & events to learn more and to make a gift.