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AHRC Nassau Leads New DEI Initiative, Funded by New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities

HomeAHRC Nassau Leads New DEI Initiative, Funded by New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities

AHRC Nassau Leads New DEI Initiative, Funded by New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities

Categories: Agency Excellence, Blog, Featured News, Uncategorized

A group of hands meeting together in a circleWith funding from the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD), AHRC Nassau is at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative to foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) throughout New York State. This initiative, targeting enhanced support for people with developmental disabilities, is a collaborative effort of including the Welfare Research Institute (WRI), New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, and the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP).

With the support of a five-year, $750,000 grant, AHRC Nassau is launching a statewide Community of Practice (CoP) on DEI in Developmental Disabilities. This project aims to integrate DEI practices deeply into the fabric of services and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Sarah Gonzalez Noveiri, Ph.D., the DEI Officer at AHRC Nassau, emphasized the importance of focusing on lived experiences. “DEI is ultimately about empowerment and how we can move forward together for a more equitable future,” said Gonzalez Noveiri. She highlighted that centering disability within DEI initiatives leads to better support systems that foster better outcomes for the person.

This initiative will consist of five regional teams and an advisory group, involving a collaborative network of IDD provider agencies, self-advocates, and care coordination organizations. These teams will be tasked with developing strategies to enhance the quality of care and support systems, ensuring equitable treatment with dignity and respect for all involved.

Applicants selected to join this will receive foundational knowledge through workshops and webinars led by area experts, establish best practices within their organizations, and contribute to a vital toolkit of resources. This collaborative effort is designed to educate and guide as well as to create a dynamic network of leaders promoting equity in human services. Additionally, members will receive technical assistance to address any challenges in implementing DEI initiatives, growing capacity foster meaningful change.

Applications are open until May 15th, 2024.

For more information or to apply to join the NYS CoP on DEI, visit www.ahrc.org/nysdeicop.