Karleen Harris, the Director of DEIB & Advocacy at Partners Health Plan, was honored to speak at the annual National Conference of The Arc in Colombus.

October is National Disability Voting Rights month, and one of our passionate self-advocates, Ackeem Duggan, was featured on CBS News New York, where he spoke about the vital importance of voting for people with IDD. Ackeem, who serves as a poll worker and coordinator in East Harlem, discussed how individuals with disabilities often face barriers to voting that aren’t always recognized.

Ackeem’s segment highlighted his role in ensuring voting accessibility, particularly through his work with specialized equipment like the Ballot Marking Device, which helps those with visual or manual limitations vote independently. His dedication to both advocating for those with IDD and providing first-hand support at the polls makes a powerful statement about the need for inclusion and accessibility in the voting process.

Hear Ackeem share his insights and experience as a poll worker, and why every vote matters for the IDD community. Watch the full segment below.

In a recent segment on ABC News10, Karleen Haines, Chief of Advocacy at Care Design New York (CDNY), and Veronica Crawford, a self-advocate and Individual & Family Liaison, discussed the vital role that Care Coordination Organizations (CCOs) like Care Design New York play in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Karleen spoke about the critical role Care Design New York plays in supporting individuals with IDD, from healthcare access to community integration. And Veronica, who benefits from these services, shared her personal journey as a self-advocate and family liaison. Through self-direction, she has the freedom to choose where she lives, what job she wants, and how she spends her time. It’s all about empowering people to live the life they choose, and Veronica is a great example of how these services truly make a difference.

But with cost of living adjustments at the forefront of this year’s New York state budget discussions, Karleen emphasized the importance of advocating for these adjustments to ensure care managers continue to be supported in their work. Without proper funding, these essential services could be at risk, which is why advocacy is so crucial.

Listen to Karleen and Veronica discuss their experiences and why it's so important for legislators to hear the voices of those with IDD. Watch the full segment below.

We’re proud to share that Veronica Crawford, one of our dedicated self-advocates, had the opportunity to speak with New York Public Radio’s Morning Edition about a topic that’s close to her heart—the importance of voting for people with disabilities.

In her brief but powerful segment, Veronica highlighted why voting is essential for individuals with disabilities, stressing how it empowers voices that often go unheard. She shared her personal perspective on the need for better inclusion and representation in the voting process.

Take a moment to listen to Veronica’s impactful conversation and hear why every vote matters. Listen to the interview here.