About Us

The New York Alliance for Developmental Disabilities (NYADD) is a statewide, grassroots, family-led advocacy collective dedicated to uplifting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and the families who love and support them.

Rooted in lived experience, NYADD works to amplify family voices, advance equitable policies, and promote meaningful access to services, supports, and inclusive opportunities across New York. Organized by OPWDD regions, our network of Regional Leads serves as the heart of our statewide network. NYADD utilizes several platforms to mobilize families and connect with advocates and policy makers, including LinkedIn and Facebook.

NYADD is 100% nonpartisan and independent. We collaborate with legislators, community leaders, and partner organizations who share our commitment to strengthening and protecting the IDD community.

About The Founder

Russell Snaith is a parent and the Founder of NYADD, with a distinguished career in banking at JPMorgan Chase and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (MUFG). He holds a BA in Economics from Queens College and an MBA in Finance from Adelphi University.Russell served on the Board of the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) since 2015, including as Board Chair from 2021–2023. During COVID-19, he led statewide advocacy efforts to prioritize PPE, testing, visitation, and reopening of day programs. His advocacy focuses on complex needs, workforce development, and quality care.

Testimonial

“I started NYADD when COVID hit, and I saw that no one was standing up for the rights and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities who were locked up in residences with no re-open or visitation plans and who were not being prioritized for PPE and COVID Tests. I started NYADD to be the Family Voice in the form of a statewide grassroots advocacy group, beholden to no one, but the individuals served and those who care for them. Independent.”