Services
Aligned with the guidelines of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, we adopt a person-centered approach utilizing peer support and promote independent living skills to enhance their quality of life.
We Are Here to Help
The Center for Self Advocacy offers a range of specialized support and assistance tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
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Self-Advocacy
We empower individuals to assert their own needs, rights, and preferences effectively. These services provide guidance, resources, and support to help individuals develop the skills and confidence to speak up for themselves in various aspects of their lives, such as education, employment, healthcare, and community engagement.
Through self-advocacy, individuals can actively participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives, advocate for accommodations or adjustments when necessary, and work towards achieving their personal goals and aspirations. These services play a crucial role in promoting autonomy, dignity, and inclusivity for people of all abilities and backgrounds.
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Systems Advocacy
We focus on promoting positive changes at the institutional, societal, and policy levels to enhance accessibility, inclusion, and rights protection. This involves advocating for systemic reforms within government agencies, educational institutions, workplaces, and public spaces to eliminate barriers and discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities.
We push for the implementation of universal design principles, advocating for increased funding for disability services, and raising awareness about disability rights and issues. By addressing systemic barriers and advocating for systemic changes, CSA aims to create more inclusive and equitable environments where people with disabilities can fully participate and thrive.
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Let’s Talk: Peer Support
The Center for Self Advocacy offers spaces for individuals to connect, share experiences, and receive mutual encouragement and understanding. These groups provide a supportive environment where individuals with similar challenges can come together to discuss common concerns, exchange practical advice, and offer emotional support to one another.
Our groups focus on fostering empowerment, resilience, and self-acceptance among members, emphasizing strengths and shared experiences rather than limitations. You may also benefit from learning coping strategies, accessing information about available resources, and developing new social connections. We want our peer support groups play a crucial role in combating isolation, boosting self-confidence, and enhancing overall well-being for people with disabilities.
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Access My Ride
Travel Training
Do you want to learn how to take the Metro Bus, Metro Rail and/or Paratransit? We will train you, either in a group or one-to-one, so that you will be able to take public transportation to get where you want to go.
Travel Advocacy
We work with legislators, community partners, and service provider organizations to identify and decrease barriers to your travel experience using public transportation.
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Let’s Connect
Computer Training
Technology runs through every part of our lives. Do you ever feel left behind? Would you like a partner to guide you through strengthening the skills you need to access online resources? Let’s Connect! will help you learn what YOU want to learn about computers and using the internet– nothing more, nothing less. We will have small group sessions focused on a particular skill and individual mentoring sessions where our “digital guide” will work beside you as you learn to use a new app or perform a new skill.
Medical Portal Technology
Scheduling and medical information is in the digital world. Would you like to learn how to access and use that information? We will work with you to understand what a Medical Portal is, what information it contains, and how you interact with it.