THE ARC JEFFERSON – ST. LAWRENCE AWARDED NYS DDPC GRANT TO SUPPORT SELF-ADVOCATE TRAINING

The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence (www.thearcjslc.org) was awarded a New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) Conference Access Grant. The funds will be used to support the North Country Self-Advocates group to attend The Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, Inc., conference from October 26th through October 28th in Albany.

Since 1996, members of the North Country Self-Advocates, their advisor John Leo, and support staff have attended the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State’s annual conference in Albany. For the first time since 2019, the conference is again being held in person. The DDPC grant will offset the expenses to the agency and reduce the out-of-pocket costs for the individual self-advocates. The grant will directly benefit at least eight people supported by The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence.

“The advocates we support gain a wealth of knowledge from the trainings they attend,” stated Lynn Pietroski, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence. “We are grateful that the NYS DDPC awarded our agency these funds, so we can encourage not only education for people with disabilities, but social engagement, and state-wide advocacy campaigns.”

The New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council works to enhance the lives of New Yorkers with Developmental Disabilities and their families through programs that promote self-advocacy, participation, and inclusion in all facets of community life.

"The DDPC is proud to support people with disabilities attending the SANYS Conference,” stated Vicky Hiffa, Acting Executive Director of the NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council. “A key part of the DDPC's mission is supporting the advocacy efforts of people with disabilities in New York. This grant will provide an opportunity for self-advocates to learn about advocacy groups, better participate in advocacy efforts, and be better leaders to drive positive change in our system.”

The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence provides lifelong opportunities that enhance the lives of people, so that they may achieve their goals. To learn more, visit www.thearcjslc.org, find us on Facebook and Instagram, or subscribe to the YouTube Channel.

About The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence:
The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence seeks to be the premier provider of services for people with diverse needs through the continuum of life.