Download the March 2026 Internal Newsletter.

Carrie Wood, BA

Renee Hebert, Juris DR

Tara Juliano, BA

Amanda Ward

Denise Labier, BA

Advocacy Excellence Impact Video

November 18, 2025 In The Know Education Series: Maintaining Medicaid Eligibility – Navigating the Changing Landscape

In this webinar, we focus on the basic Medicaid rules and upcoming changes.

We discuss what is happening, who might be affected, and what steps you need to take to keep Medicaid benefits. The goal is to explain the changes and give some tips to help avoid problems with Medicaid for members and families that may be affected.

For those who may be impacted, we will talk about what they can do now and watch for in the future. The specific Medicaid changes covered include:

• Medicaid eligibility redeterminations
• Work requirements

Guest Speakers: Kristina Cunningham- Assistant Vice President of Member Benefits and Enrollment

September 23, 2025 In The Know Education Series: Staying Healthy This Fall

In this webinar, members from our Healthcare team discuss the importance of staying healthy this fall and winter season. Our conversation includes helpful tips about flu season, respiratory health, colds, vaccines and pro-active wellness plans.

Guest Speakers: Brittany Miske RN, AGNP-BC (VP, Healthcare Management & Clinical Support)

September 16, 2025 Shared Stories: A Panel Discussion with Disability Advocates

In this virtual panel discussion, hosted by Care Management Alliance of New York (CMANY) self-advocates Veronica Crawford and BJ Stasio share stories about their advocacy journey, experiences with legislators, why its important to raise awareness, and what may lie ahead.

Guest Speakers: Veronica Crawford & BJ Stastio, Self Advocates

September 10, 2025 In The Know Education Series: Understanding & Managing Hypertension

In this webinar, nurses from our Care Management and Healthcare teams talk about high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. They explain what it is, how to spot the signs, ways to treat it and how medicine and healthy habits can help you feel better and take care of your heart.

PRESENTED BY: Karesia Jones, RN & Angie LaPointe, RN

August 21, 2025 CDNY All Member Forum

This virtual all-member meeting and open forum discussion focuses on several topics, such as Medicaid, technology options and care management supports with members from Care Design's Leadership team.

PRESENTED BY: Care Design's Leadership Team

August 7, 2025 In The Know Education Series: Enhancing Communication In The Community For Individuals With I/DD & Autism

In this meeting, we share information on the Yellow Dot and Blue Envelope Programs, in addition to the Big Red Box toolkit. These materials are approved by the National Autism Association and the NY Sheriff’s Association. The programs assist individuals while out in the community by providing first responders, law enforcement, and others with information to promote understanding, reduce anxiety, and encourage preparedness and safety.

PRESENTED BY: Melissa Ackernecht, MS (Behavioral Support Specialist) and Karleen M. Haines, MPS (Chief of Advocacy & Member Engagement)

June 17, 2025 IDD Advocate Info Session: Protecting Medicaid (Updates)

Medicaid rate cuts are a serious threat, and staying informed is key. In this virtual info session, policy expert Carolyn B. Kerr of Brown & Weinraub explains what families and advocates need to know about the federal budget reconciliation process, where things stand now and how proposed cuts could impact services. 

PRESENTED BY: Carolyn B. Kerr, Partner at the Brown & Weinraub

May 28, 2025 In The Know Education Series: Self-Care Isn't Selfish!

This In The Know session explores the importance of self-care—especially for those who support and care for others. You will also be guided through the Emotional Wellness Toolkit from the National Institutes of Health, with practical tools to support emotional well-being in daily life. Watch the full session to learn how small, mindful steps can make a big difference.

PRESENTED BY: Karleen M. Haines, MPS (Chief of Advocacy & Member Engagement)

April 9, 2025 In The Know Education Series: The Importance of Financial Wellness

In this virtual session, we chat about how self-advocates and others can stay on top of their finances all year long. Our guest speaker shares practical budgeting tips—like how to plan ahead, save for the future, or even set aside money for a well-deserved vacation. We also cover helpful tax advice and ways to protect your financial privacy.

PRESENTED BY: Jamie Junior, Executive Director of EmpowerYOU Financial Solutions, Certified Financial Coach and Self-advocate

March 19, 2025 In The Know Education Series: Tips to Stay Safe: Personal Privacy on the Internet

Learn about simple ways to protect your personal privacy when using the internet or talking on the phone.

PRESENTED BY: Jessica Campbell, Self-Advocate and Michelle Rudoff, Self-Advocate

February 19, 2025 In The Know Education Series: Winter Wellness

Learn all about the ways you can be proactive and practice self-care during this cold season!

PRESENTED BY: Stephanie Hodelin, MSW, MCLC, Guardianship/Advocate with AHRC Nassau 

October 21, 2024 In The Know Education Series: Travel Training 101

In this webinar, you will hear an in-depth overview of a structured travel training program tailored for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities ages 14 and up. Our guest speaker will guide attendees through the essential stages of training, focusing on how to develop critical skills for independent travel.

You’ll also learn about the comprehensive services YAI offers to empower individuals in navigating New York City and beyond with confidence. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or advocate, this session is a valuable opportunity to gain insights and tools to support independent travel for people with IDD.

PRESENTED BY: Stephanie Rozanski from YAI

October 16, 2024 In The Know Education Series: Staying Healthy This Fall

In this webinar, you will hear from nurses and leaders on our Healthcare Management team about how to stay healthy during the upcoming fall season. Topics will include the prevention of colds, COVID, RSV, and flu; vaccines, mask-wearing, and maintaining a safe environment. Along with treatment and updated news from sources such as the CDC.

PRESENTED BY: Brittany Miske, Vice President of Healthcare Management and Clinical Support; Carrie Delong, Director of Health Care Management

September 26, 2024 Member & Family Update: Online Meeting

In this webinar, we dive into the ins and outs of the Coordinated Assessment System (CAS) and OPWDD Assessments, ensuring members are up to speed with all the latest updates. Plus, our HealthCare Management Team shares crucial tips to keep you and your loved ones healthy this fall—covering everything from colds to COVID, RSV, and flu. 

PRESENTED BY: CDNY Care Management Team

September 18, 2024  In The Know Education Series: Voting 101 — Exercise Your Right!

In this webinar, we've gathered self-advocate guest speakers who share basic information on why it's important to vote, how to register, how to vote with an early ballot, and what to expect on Election Day. 

"We believe that every person should be supported to register to vote and exercise their rights as a Citizen if they choose to do so. It is important for people to be educated and exposed to this right and what this right means. When people are registered to vote they have the option to choose the candidate that supports their individual beliefs and causes."

PRESENTED BY: Danielle Mazza, AVP of Care Management for Upstate NY; Self-Advocates from the IDD Community

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