Volunteer & Engagement opportunities
The Center offers a wide 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 serve, check out all the ways below:
Committees
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
Advocacy Committee: The Advocacy sub-committee would identify legislative actions to endorse or advocate against. The committee would train volunteers from families to participate 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 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 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), IDEA (People with Disabilities Education Act), 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 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
Post CFDS Services map overlayed with districts.
Advocacy ambassadorship: Become a member of the advocacy committee, volunteer to meet with legislators at Center events or at 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 though our partners at CP State and contact your NYS and Federal legislators about issues important to families of those with disabilities today!
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: LINK to calendar.
Kevin G. Langan School family programs: The Langan School provides educational and social offerings for families. Check out their calendar for upcoming events LINK to Langan School Calendar
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:
Caring connection: The Center is piloting a new program called “the Caring Connection” for mentorship of families who are new to the Center or considering services through the Center. Now is your chance to help a family exploring the Center for Disability Services or a family new to receiving services through the Center 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 and 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 program provide ample opportunity to become more involved. Check out the list of volunteer opportunities listed below.
Gather existing volunteer opportunities
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.