Educational Advocacy

Danielle Wiltsie

Director of Individuals & Families

Danielle Wiltsie, Director of Individuals, Families & Advocate Support and Sheri Gaylord, Director at Wildwood Programs and parent of a young man with Autism, will engage participants in a solution focused discussion around the questions and concerns they choose to share. They will also explore your thoughts and ideas for future "What's Up With That?" discussion hours. Future discussions could include topics such as: Communicating with Your Child's Team, Progress Monitoring, Accommodations, Organizing Your Child's Records, Transition Planning, and What to Do If Your Child's IEP Isn't Followed.

Sheri Gaylord

Director at Wildwood Programs

Sheri Gaylord brings more than 20 years of experience working with and supporting families whose loved ones have intellectual and developmental disabilities. She often draws upon her experiences and the knowledge she gained while navigating complex systems and organizations, including the special education system in NYS, to meaningfully connect with and assist families and providers. Sheri has held various positions as a volunteer or an employee for more than 12 years. Sheri earned has an MS in Nonprofit Management and is a Certified Mental Health First Aid Responder.

Special Education Online Meetings

Families with school age children are invited to join Sheri Gaylord, Director at Wildwood Programs and Danielle Wiltsie, Director of Individuals, Families, & Advocate Support at Care Design New York for an informal "drop-in" Q&A/troubleshooting session.

Sessions will not be scripted and instead will address only those questions and challenging scenarios posed by the attendance. Sessions will focus solely on communication challenges and communicating effectively with school teams throughout the year especially as it relates to special education and IEP related matters.

Family Education Drop-In Q&A Session
Wed, Oct 20th, 2021, 12:00 pm
Family Education
Family Education Drop-In Q&A Session
Thu, Oct 21st, 2021, 6:00 pm
Family Education

Previously Recorded Educational Advocacy Information Sessions

Starting Strong: Effective Communication for Productive Partnerships Between Families and School Teams

This pre-recorded information session to learn how the way we communicate as givers and receivers of information, can alter intended messages and impact relationships and partnerships with school teams. Families will also gain insight into proactive communication strategies that will help them gain comfort and confidence in their ability to meaningfully communicate and interact with their child's special education team.

11.18.20 Life After High School Online Meeting Resources

View guide

Advocacy Resource List

Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western NY (WNY):

https://www.ddawny.org/committees/family-committee/
Eastern New York Developmental Disabilities Advocates:

https://www.facebook.com/enydda
New York Self-Determination Coalition:

http://www.nyselfd.org/
NYC Fair:

https://www.nycfamilyadvocacyinformationresource.org/
Parent to Parent of New York State:

http://parenttoparentnys.org/
Statewide Advocacy Network of New York (SWAN NY):

https://swannys.org/
The Self-Advocacy Association of New York State Inc.:

https://sanys.org/
SOYAN (Supporting our Youth and Adults Network):

SOYAN or sign up for updates SOYAN.LONG.ISLAND@GMAIL.COM

Event Questions & Suggestions

Sign-up for news alerts:

Emergency After Hours On-Call

1-877-855-3673

Please only use number for urgent matters that cannot wait until the next business day.

The emergency after hours number will only be in operation after 5:00pm to 8:30am on business days, weekends, and Care Design NY holidays.

Please use our office lines during normal business hours.

Compliance Hotline

1-877-382-2942

This number is to be used by anyone to report a suspected violation of the code of conduct, compliance guidelines, operational policies, a law or regulation, or other concern to the compliance offices

Corporate Office Location

8 Southwoods Blvd, Suite 110
Albany, NY 12211
(518) 235-1888

Care Design NY

Corporate Office

8 Southwoods Blvd
Suite 110
Albany, NY 12211

Care Design NY provides care coordination throughout New York State, New York City and Long Island. View regional coverage areas.

Primary Numbers

Main Corporate Office
General Inquiries

518-235-1888
After Hour Emergencies
(5:00pm - 8:30am & Weekends)

1-877-855-3673
Compliance Hotline
For Concerns or Compliance Issues

1-877-382-2942

Who to Contact

For New Members :

Enroll for Services
For Existing Members:

View Regional Contacts
Providers:

Visit our Providers Page

View Accessibility Statement