The Family Group

The Family Group and the Center for Disability Services are partners in supporting consumers, families and caregivers, staff, programs and services at the Center for Disability Services. The Family Group includes more than 1,400 individuals whose child, sibling, or other relative receives services from the Center. 

 

Services include: 

Educational programming: Programs for members and the community, such as health care for women with disabilities, a hands-on guardianship workshop, effective legislative advocacy and presentations by government officials.

 

Legislative Liaison Committee: The committee is dedicated to advocacy for our disabled family members, improving communication and strengthening relationships with our elected representatives and other government officials.

 

Consumer Special Needs Fund: This fund supports the quality of life, dignity and respect of each consumer by providing financial assistance for important items and services that would be otherwise unattainable such as travel and funeral expenses.

 

Staff enhancement: To support and encourage staff, The Family Group underwrites the cost of an annual recognition event, and sponsors several staff tuition reimbursement program.

 

Guardianship: Many parents of individuals with disabilities express concern about who provide care for their family member when they themselves have passed away. The Family Group, in conjunction with Cerebral Palsy Association of New York State, have received state approval to serve as a corporate guardian and act as liaisons for families with guardianship issues.

 

The Family Group is an incorporated, non-profit volunteer organization with its own Board of Directors, and its own operating budget independent of the Center for Disability Services.

 

For More Information, Call (518) 944-2125.