NY Alliance

02/04/2026

02/03/2026

Out now: In the latest thought-provoking episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise talks with Christopher Lyons, CEO of AIM Services, Inc., and delves into the often overlooked right of "dignity of risk." Blaise and Lyons explore the shift away from fear-based decision-making and the latest push on using dignity of risk to promote true autonomy and self-determination. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

02/02/2026

As we enter Black History Month, we must continue to acknowledge that commitment is different from action. If we want to create equitable organizations, we must turn these issues into strategic action.

For many professionals, trying to learn everything about every employee can be overwhelming and freeze leaders if they don't know where to start. One powerful approach is Targeted Universalism (TU), a methodology developed by the Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley. TU helps design policies and programs that serve everyone by setting universal goals while tailoring strategies to meet the unique needs of different groups.

TU shifts the focus from closing gaps to lifting everyone up. By acknowledging the diverse paths people take to reach shared goals, it builds broader support for equitable plans. For example, if you aim to improve employee retention, TU would help:

Set a universal goal (90% retention across all teams)
Assess everyone’s experience with retention (employee surveys, listening sessions, interviews)
Identify disparities (retention rates for Black employees are 20% lower than average)
Improve your organizational systems (Update policies, reorganize roles and committees, make key budget investments)
Design targeted supports (mentorship programs, flexible scheduling, culturally responsive leadership training)
Engage audiences in co-creating solutions, ensuring everyone feels seen and valued

This approach addresses inequities and fosters belonging by centering shared aspirations. If you’ve created your organizational goals and need help implementing TU, you can check out our DEIB Toolkit to:

Assess employees' experiences and research the disparities affecting certain groups
Acknowledge and process the harm your organization may have caused
Activate the strengths of the employees most impacted and educate your team on culturally inclusive strategies
Organize action plans and targeted strategies to reach your DEIB goals

Check out the Belonging Guide at the Othering & Belonging Institute and all the great DEIB toolkit resources on the RCWT website.

02/02/2026

Our Member Monday spotlight dives into the Mohawk Valley this week with another Arc New York chapter, Arc Herkimer! Representing the Arc's efforts in Herkimer County, Arc Herkimer collaborates with multiple local businesses and governments to cover a wide range of needs.

01/30/2026

Language has the ability to build relationships and forge connections, but it’s equally liable for creating barriers and impacting someone’s sense of belonging. As we transform our work from caregiving to supporting people, we need to be sure our language is in line with our actions. Learn how to use inclusive language to better promote it in your work and our world! Learn more and register here: https://www.workforcetransformation.org/upcomingevents/language-of-our-work-and-world-2/

01/29/2026

January serves as the anniversary of Frederick W. Parsons’ appointment as the first Commissioner of, as it was then known, the Department of Mental Hygiene. Created from a restructuring of New York’s state government, the department began by taking on all the responsibilities of the former State Hospital Commission, which had been the main oversight for treatment centers that OMH, OASES, and OPWDD would later cover.

https://www.archives.nysed.gov/node/361041
https://www.nytimes.com/1957/07/06/archives/dr-fw-parsons-psychaitrist-81-first-state-commissioner-of-mental.html

01/28/2026

Last call! The 2026 Joint Legislative and Advocacy Forum is in less than two weeks! Be sure to register in advance and join us for the latest updates and push to make our voices heard in this year's budget proposal. Learn more and register here: https://nyalliance.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=521&ts=1767621383

01/27/2026

ICYMI: Hear a DSP Chat with Asheley Blaise all about Elevating Voices! This episode simplifies complex topics like self-advocacy, supported decision making, and creating life plans, teaching listeners how to promote independence for people with I/DDs while respecting autonomy and humanity. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

01/26/2026

DEIB advocates, let’s make 2026 your year of turning learning into action. The challenges our human services nonprofits face are too significant to ignore, and you have the opportunity to address pressing issues and advocate for change. This is why we created the DEIB toolkit. Whether you’re just starting your DEIB journey or looking to deepen your impact, the DEIB Toolkit is your roadmap to meaningful change.

If you are unsure where to start, the toolkit uses Equity Warrior Strategies' process, a flexible framework designed to meet you where you are and help you maximize engagement and attraction in your organization:

Assess and Research – Understand your team or organization’s most pressing DEIB issues.

Acknowledge and Heal – Support your team in processing and healing from DEIB challenges.

Activate and Empower – Motivate your team with targeted communications and learning.

Action and Progress – Design strategies tailored to your organization’s unique strengths and opportunities.

Whatever your needs are right now, you can go to that section for the support you need. Check our more resources by visiting the toolkit on the RCWT website.

Let’s make 2026 the year we turn our DEIB commitments into lasting change.

01/26/2026

On this especially snowy Monday, our member spotlight provides some light on Special Citizens Futures Unlimited! Working through both Westchester and the northern boroughs of NYC, Special Citizens Futures Unlimited uses its programs to reinforce one another in how they promote the independence of their participants.

01/23/2026

RCWT is proud to partner with the Epilepsy Foundation of America to provide a free course on recognizing the signs of a seizure and properly responding to one. Seizure first aid is a critical resource for those working with people who have epilepsy, and this first-of-its-kind training provides certification in this exact skill. Learn more and register here: https://www.workforcetransformation.org/upcomingevents/seizure-recognition-and-first-aid-certification-course/

Note: in addition to the course, if you’re seeking certification for this session, you must complete a pre-test and pass a post-test after attending the training. The event link above has information on both.

01/22/2026

January 23rd honors what would be the 87th birthday of disability rights activist Ed Roberts. While he himself did not have an I/DD (having polio as a teen instead), he was a major pioneer in the independent living movement, which impacted all those with disabilities and remains an important facet of I/DD work to this day.

https://californiamuseum.org/inductee/ed-roberts/

https://www.cilncf.org/cil-history/