Who We Are

The Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York is a collaborative group of member voluntary agencies that provide services to people with developmental disabilities. While honoring individual agency missions, it is the intent of the Alliance to assist agencies to develop relationships, promote unified strategies and share risks for the mutual gain with and for the benefit of people with developmental disabilities.

Our Impact

IMPACT:
DDAWNY’s member agencies provide supports to more than 30,000 people in the 17 westernmost counties of New York State. We employ nearly 21,000 people in more than 1,000 sites.

What Our Members Do:

DDAWNY member agencies provide supports to individuals and families through agreements with the following state agencies:

NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Services (NYSOPWDD)

Funded through a cost share between New York State and the federal Medicaid program:

• 24/7 residential settings
• Day habilitation programs
• Employment skill development
• Job coaching and placement programs
• Respite for family members and natural supports
• Clinical services (Article 16 clinics)
• Skill building for independent living
• Care coordination and management

NYS Education Department

New York State has a legal responsibility under federal law to provide a “free and appropriate public education” to all children, regardless of disability. Preschool and school-age public school students with disabilities are referred to not-for-profit providers with special expertise, when there is no appropriate educational setting in a local public school. Many DDAWNY members provide job training and placement services through the ACCES-VR program.

NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH)

Some DDAWNY member agencies provide Early Intervention (EI) services to infants and toddlers with disabilities. Some agencies provide free-standing clinic services, such as dentistry and therapies, through Article 28 Diagnostic & Treatment Centers.