New York Alliance for Developmental Disabilities

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Everyone Deserves a Seat at The Table

Welcome! The New York Alliance for Developmental Disabilities (NYADD) is committed to elevating the voices of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and their families, ensuring they have a powerful seat at the table where decisions are made and futures are shaped.

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About Us

nyadd,developmental disabilities,IDD
nyadd,developmental disabilities,IDD
nyadd,developmental disabilities,IDD

The New York Alliance for Developmental Disabilities (NYADD) is a statewide, grassroots, family-led
advocacy collective dedicated to supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
(IDD) and the families who love and care for them. NYADD is 100% non-partisan, independent, and
collaborates with legislators and organizations who champion our causes.

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Advocacy

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Legislative Priorities

Shannon Lavigne, Legislative Liaison, along with other Regional leads collaborate with legislators, self-advocates, and family advocates to advance policies to improve their daily lives.

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State-wide (NY) Connection Point

NYADD's Facebook group serves as an information exchange and support forum for those who wish to advocate for the rights and well-being of those with Developmental Disabilities and Special Needs. Members include self-advocates, families, friends, teachers, staff, therapists, elected Officials and anyone who feels strongly about supporting those with IDD.



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Collaborate with Statewide Agencies

NYADD Regional Leads come with a wide variety of experience and affiliations with agencies, non-profit organizations, and grass-roots organizations across the state. The personal connections are invaluable to creating lasting partnerships and collaboration to move the needle on important causes.

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NYADD Regional Leads Are
Here For You

Regional leads partner with legislators, IDD agencies, and non-profit organizations across the state to discuss and advocate for solutions for the IDD community. Contact us to share your thoughts.  

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Testimonials

“I joined NYADD to be part of advocacy that is rooted in lived experience and shared purpose. As a parent to a child with profound autism, I navigate complex support needs, safety concerns, and system gaps every day. NYADD brings together families and advocates who understand the realities of disability across the lifespan and work collaboratively toward meaningful change. My advocacy is driven by a commitment to protect vulnerable individuals, elevate voices that are often overlooked, and push for systems that truly support families. Being part of NYADD means standing alongside others who believe dignity, safety, and access to support should never be optional.”
-Jillian Eisloeffel
“NYADD has been an incredible source of support and guidance for me as a parent and advocate for my son, who resides in a group home. Through NYADD, I have gained knowledge, confidence, and a stronger voice to advocate not only for my son’s rights, but for the needs of many individuals with developmental disabilities. Their trainings, resources, and community connections have helped me better understand systems, services, and how to navigate challenges that families often face. Being part of NYADD has shown me that advocacy is not just speaking up, but standing together to create meaningful change. My advocacy means ensuring my son is treated with dignity, respect, and given opportunities to thrive. Through NYADD, I am empowered to support other families, share lived experiences, and work toward a more inclusive and responsive system for all..”
-Obaida Omar
"As a parent of an adult son with autism, advocacy is vital for the disabled population because it ensures their voices are heard in decisions that affect their daily lives, helps identify and challenge systemic barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and housing, and promotes equal rights and protections that uphold dignity, autonomy, and freedom from discrimination. Organizations like NYADD play a critical role by empowering individuals and families with information, representation, and support, amplifying lived experiences to shape more inclusive and effective policies and services. Through this work, advocacy also increases community awareness, reduces stigma, and fosters acceptance, ultimately helping people with disabilities achieve greater independence, safety, and full participation in society. My work with NYADD provides an opportunity for me to not only work toward a better community experience for my son, but also those who are facing similar challenges.”
-Doreen Jaggs