Simcha Weinstein

The council meeting addressed several funding motions to improve services for individuals with developmental disabilities, including a customized employment initiative, growing advocacy small grants, public libraries training and capacity building, and support for aging caregivers. Additionally, the council reviewed leadership reports, discussed state fiscal updates, and received a presentation on systems-change efforts from the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. Updates were also provided on communications, inclusion and accessibility, and strategic planning for the 2027-2031 State Plan.

This document addresses the employment gap for individuals with developmental disabilities in New York State by providing policy recommendations. Key strategic areas include expanding customized employment and skill-building opportunities, enhancing support for benefits management, educating business owners to counter negative perceptions, streamlining complex employment services, and establishing a task force to facilitate the transition from subminimum wage to competitive employment. The overarching goal is to close the employment gap and ensure meaningful, integrated employment opportunities for all New Yorkers with developmental disabilities.

The council discussed the media plan for the 2027 to 2031 state plan, proposing to allocate funding for internal projects and video production to promote the work of the council. Key discussion points included the success of past video projects, such as the Willoughbrook documentary and housing solutions videos, which have reached over half a million views, and the importance of promoting these materials at conferences. The council also addressed technical housekeeping, including remote participation protocols, voting procedures using cloud-based tools, and the use of the studio space.

Key discussions and actions during this Full Council Meeting included the approval of funding motions: $10,000 to the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD) to support four youth self-advocates for the National Disability Leadership Series, and $100,000 for a small grant opportunity addressing targeted disparities in Bronx and Chautauqua Counties. Leadership reports included Chairperson's and Caucus reports. Staff reports covered updates on the Federal Government's 2026 budget situation, Medicaid program changes, the recent Advocacy Institute, and the execution of grant contracts. The Council approved the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2026 Budget and subsequently approved the framework for the 2027-2031 CDD State Plan. Presentations were given on employment-related grants focusing on vocational training and entrepreneurship. An Inclusion & Accessibility Update noted recent site visits and symposium attendance. The Communications Update highlighted social media growth and high view counts for organizational videos. The Open Forum included updates on the Blue Envelope Program, Self-Direction Program work, and discussions regarding accessible clothing lines and recreational facility inclusivity.

The meeting commenced with introductions of attendees both in person and remotely, including well wishes for the Lunar New Year. Housekeeping matters addressed included protocols for commenting and utilizing the Zoom platform. The introduction section featured the recognition of Rabbi Sima Weinstein as a new council member. Key agenda items discussed included a motion to approve the 2027 to 2031 media plan, which involves setting aside $100,000 to fund internal projects promoting the council's work and topics of interest in the developmental disabilities field. Examples of past projects supported by this funding included several video productions such as the Willoughbrook documentary, housing solutions videos, and a video on the Pollenhava pathway to marriage initiative. The media plan discussion also highlighted the promotional success of these videos, noting over half a million collective views. The process for conducting votes using in-room clickers and remote online participation was reviewed, though technical difficulties were encountered and resolved verbally for some attendees during the minutes approval vote. The meeting agenda also scheduled a video presentation on community practice bridging aging and disability, caucus reports, committee reports, and discussions related to OPWDD's Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.