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September 2026 Newsletter

đŸŒ± CDNY Cares

As summer ends and fall begins, many members may have new schedules, programs, appointments or activities. This is a good time to make sure your Life Plan, services and supports still reflect what you need. Your Care Manager can help review your plan, talk through service needs and connect you with the right resources.

Fall is also a time to celebrate International Day of Sign Languages, which takes place on September 23. Among CDNY’s 32,000+ members are people who rely on sign language. We are proud to have several Care Managers who communicate using sign language. When it is not possible for a Care Manager to directly use sign language to communicate with a member or their caregiver, we work with sign language interpreters to support members and families. This is part of our ongoing commitment to inclusion and access. Everyone should be able to fully take part in decisions about their life and services.

Diane Marrone

Chief of Care Management

In the words of Patricia Gormley, Care Manager Supervisor:

“In most cases, when a member speaks a language other than English, their family does, too. American Sign Language (ASL) is different. Often, a Deaf person’s own family members cannot communicate with them directly. Interpreters play such a key role in the Deaf community. This community includes many people we support. That’s why having a Care Manager who can communicate directly with a member matters so much.

“Many of our Deaf members have spent much of their lives communicating through a third party. They deeply value having a Care Manager who can sign. Their Care Manager can write their Life Plan in a way that reflects their voice. They stand side by side with the member as a trusted support and advocate. It goes beyond the legal right to communication access. It is about the basic human need to be understood. It is about our responsibility to provide person-centered support. And it is about building a strong connection between the member and the Care Manager.”

The seasons are changing, and that means new things to celebrate and new ways to grow. Whether change feels exciting or challenging, your CDNY team can help connect you to the services you need!

⚕Medical Moment

Back-to-school season is here! There are supplies to stock up on and new routines to plan. It’s also a good time to make sure students have the resources they need to feel healthy, happy and safe at school.

Whether you’re returning to school yourself or supporting a student heading back, here are a few steps to consider:

  • Talk about what to expect. Discuss what feels exciting or nerve-wracking. Starting a before- and after-school routine early can help make the change easier.
  • Read through the IEP or 504 plan. Make sure you understand the goals, accommodations and services. If you or your student’s needs have changed, contact the school and ask them to review the plan together.
  • Plan for busy or noisy spaces. If you or your student gets overwhelmed, pack tools that help you stay calm. Examples include noise-canceling headphones and fidget items. Practice asking for breaks or support when it’s needed.

Brittany Miske, RN, AGNP-BC

VP of Healthcare Management and Quality Officer

Fall Vaccine Reminders

Look out for updates about this year’s flu vaccine. The vaccine is updated annually. The new shot is usually available starting in late August for the upcoming flu season.

Call your primary care provider (PCP) to schedule your flu shot. You may also be able to get your vaccine from a nurse, which can make it easier to find an appointment.

The flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick from the flu.

  • Nearly half of CDNY members (49%) got a flu vaccine in the 2025–2026 flu season. This is an important step in helping prevent serious illnesses.

Children in day care and pre-K through 12th grade in New York State need to have certain vaccines. The only exception is if they have a valid medical exemption. Make sure you/your child is up to date for the new school year. Contact your Primary Care Physician (PCP) if you need to book an appointment.

Staying Healthy

Going back to school often means spending more time with other people. That can increase your chances of coming into contact with germs that can make you ill. Make healthy habits a part of your routine this fall:

  • Attend regular checkups with your PCP and specialists.
  • Keep up to date with medical screenings and vaccines.
  • Take the medications you have been prescribed.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
  • Wash your hands often.

🎙 On Air - Immunization Awareness Month

August was National Immunization Awareness Month! CDNY’s very own Brittany Miske joined WAMC-FM for a radio interview about vaccines and the I/DD community. Brittany talked about why vaccines are important and some of the barriers people with I/DD may face when getting vaccines. She also shared ways caregivers can help people get vaccinated and stay healthy so they can live full and active lives.

Advocacy Update

Our advocacy team is following several key issues that could affect people with disabilities. Here’s what to know.

  • Olmstead Protections. The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, says people with disabilities have the right to live in their community and get services there when it is right for them. Olmstead gives states guidance on how to protect this right. The Department of Justice will no longer use Olmstead as guidance. The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act is an effort by lawmakers to put the guidance into law.
  • Medicaid Changes Related to H.R.1. R.1 (The Big Beautiful Bill) made changes to Medicaid. Some changes may affect people with disabilities. We are committed to keeping you informed. Starting in January, if a person has a gap in coverage and has to file a new Medicaid application, Medicaid will only be able to cover the last 2 months instead of 3. This makes it more important than ever to renew Medicaid on time. Open all mail from Medicaid. Your Care Manager can help if you have questions or need assistance.
  • Protecting Home and Community-Based Services. Home and community-based services, or HCBS, help people live and receive services in their communities. These services are funded by Medicaid and are the basis for the OPWDD’s HCBS Waiver.  When there are cuts to Medicaid funding for NYS, there may be less money for Waiver services, and they could be harder to get. Wait lists could get longer. Speaking up can help protect funding for these services.

These changes may feel scary. But many people are working to protect the rights of people with disabilities. Here at CDNY we are closely watching these issues and collaborating with major state and federal advocacy agencies to make your voices heard. You can help by going to advocacy events or contacting lawmakers. CDNY will share more ways to get involved. Together, we can make a difference.

🌟 CDNY VIP

đŸŽ€ In the Words of Our Care Managers

We recently interviewed some of our Care Managers about their experiences working at CDNY. Here are some of the highlights


“What we do as Care Managers is so impactful and rewarding. To see someone start as nonverbal and get them to speech therapy, then eventually watch them be able to communicate, is a beautiful moment.”

— Christopher, Care Manager Supervisor

“Care management is not a passive job; it’s very active. It’s so meaningful and impacts the people you’re serving. It can really empower people to live with great independence. No two days are the same.”

— Rose, Care Manager

🎉 Member Spotlight

CDNY member Danielle Cumberbatch is all about community. She volunteers and takes part in advocacy work. She is very involved with GiGi’s Playhouse, an organization that provides programs for people with Down syndrome and their families.

GiGi's Playhouse

While what Danielle likes most is helping other people, she also enjoys arts and crafts and attending local events. She is proud of who she is and happy to be a part of CDNY. In her words: “Care Design NY
 is my best choice for [the] future I’m in.”

💌 Share Your Story

Do you have a story to share or a milestone worth celebrating? Has a CDNY team member made a meaningful difference for you or your family? We’d love to hear from you! Your story could be featured in a future newsletter and may also offer hope and encouragement to other families on their own I/DD journey.

💬 Member Services Department

We Want to Hear From You!

At CDNY, your feedback matters. Members and families are always welcome to contact our Member Services Department. You can share concerns, complaints, compliments or general feedback.  We want you to have the best experience with CDNY possible. Your input helps us continue to improve the services we provide.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: 347-539-4784 or 518-556-0145

We are here to listen and support you.

💡Stay In The Know

đŸ—łïž Voting Tips

Disability Voting Rights Week is September 14-18, and Election Day is coming up soon! The 2026 General Election will take place on November 3. People with I/DD have the right to vote and have a say in the issues that affect their lives, families and communities.

There are many important decisions ahead that can affect disability services, education, healthcare and community life. 

You can vote in New York State if:

  • You are a U.S. citizen,
  • You are 18+ years old,
  • You live in New York State; and
  • You are registered to vote.

Make your voice heard! You can register to vote online, by mail or in person. You must register by October 24 to vote in the 2026 General Election.

If you’re not sure how to fill out the form, your Care Manager can help you. To learn more about how to register, how to vote and your rights at the polls, check out CDNY’s 2026 Voting Guide! 

đŸ“±Abilibee App

Abilibee is an app for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities and those who support them. Abilibee can help you and your family navigate life transitions. This includes the transition from school-age to adult services. Abilibee provides resources, planning tools and step-by-step guides.

📋Member & Family Satisfaction Survey

If you received a call, email, or letter asking you to complete our Member Feedback Satisfaction Survey (MFSS), we encourage you to participate and share your feedback with us.

This survey is a chance to tell us about your experiences with CDNY, and your answers are anonymous. We’ll use your feedback to improve our supports and services.

If you have questions, please reach out to your Care Manager.

Upcoming Member Events

Looking for ways to get involved? Learn more about upcoming events, trainings and advocacy opportunities.

đŸ—“ïžMeetings and Trainings

OPWDD DDAC Public Meetings | September 24 and 25  

The Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council (DDAC) advises New York State leaders. The Council meets to discuss current issues and provide recommendations. Meetings are held virtually and are open to the public. Attending is a good way to stay up to date on statewide plans and priorities.

Westchester Institute for Human Development Events

Specially Designed Instruction (SDI): A Guide for Families and Caregivers

September 10 | 12 PM

This training will cover the basics of SDI. It will help parents and family members learn how they can take an active role in their child’s education.

Student Involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Families

September 29 | 12 PM

This training will explain the IEP development process. It will show how students and families can take part in Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings. It will share tips and resources for before, during and after meetings.

Peer Empowerment Group Sessions

Join CDNY at our next free virtual event! Our Peer Empowerment Group sessions are led by Peer Advocate Veronica Crawford. They are a great way to learn new things and connect with other members.

đŸ’» Internet Safety | Thursday, September 24, 2026  

Take part in a supportive conversation about online safety. Learn some simple steps you can take to stay safe when you’re using your computer and talking to others on the internet.

🔁Peer Empowerment Group Recap

Thinking about attending a Peer Empowerment Group session? See what we’ve covered at our recent events!

🎯July 2026 | Transition to Independence

In July, we met for a group discussion on transitioning to independence. We explored what independence can look like for each person. We also talked about how your support team can help you reach your goals. 

What to Expect from Your Care Manager

Our Care Management team is here to help you and your loved ones live your best life. To get the most from our services, it’s important to know how your Care Manager can help and how often you should talk with them.

You can find information on this by visiting our What to Expect From Your Care Manager website page below.