Care Design NY

10/23/2026

Fall is a good time for people with I/DD, families and support teams to check in on health and daily routines. 🍂

A few simple steps can help everyone stay healthy:

🧥 Dress for cooler weather
🧼 Wash hands often
📅 Keep up with doctor appointments
🚶 Stay active in a way that feels comfortable
💉 Talk with a trusted healthcare provider about the flu shot

Planning ahead can also help. Visual reminders, updated care plans, transportation support and regular check-ins can make daily routines easier and safer.

Small steps can help support health, comfort and well-being this fall. Wishing our CDNY community a healthy season.

10/22/2026

Meet Alissa! 🌟

For more than a year, Care Design NY member Alissa Slade has worked in e-commerce at Whole Foods Market in Lake Grove, NY, preparing online grocery orders and helping with customer pickup and deliveries.

Alissa enjoys earning her own income and connecting with coworkers and customers. With support from her managers, she has continued to build her skills and confidence at work.

“[Employment] can make you feel immensely proud,” Alissa shared. “People with I/DD can bring a lot of positivity to a job.”

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate Alissa and the many people with I/DD who bring their talents and dedication to the workplace every day.

10/21/2026

Supporting better healthcare for the I/DD community. 🩺

Care Design NY’s Brittany Miske and Melissa Ackernecht recently presented at the NYS ID/DD Nurses Association Annual Conference, sharing their perspectives and knowledge on common respiratory illnesses and trauma experiences.

People with I/DD deserve healthcare that sees them as a whole person, listens to what matters to them and supports their goals. Both individuals' presentations brought this person-centered approach into conversations with nurses and other professionals across New York.

Thank you, Brittany and Melissa, for using your voices to help strengthen care and support for the I/DD community.

10/20/2026

Celebrating a memorable weekend at the Special Olympics New York Fall Games! 🎉

Care Design NY was proud to cheer on the athletes whose determination, teamwork and love of sport were on full display throughout the Games. Thank you to everyone who made the event possible, including the volunteers, coaches, families and supporters who helped create such an encouraging experience.

A special thank-you to the Care Design NY team members who showed up to support the athletes and celebrate inclusion in action.

10/19/2026

Make sure your voter registration application is submitted on time. 🗳️

For the 2026 General Election in New York, both mail and in-person voter registration applications must be received by the Board of Elections no later than October 24, 2026.

You can register by mail, at your local board of elections, or through a state agency that participates in the National Voter Registration Act. Registration is an important step in making sure you are prepared and able to participate on Election Day.

If you have recently moved, changed your name or need to update your registration information, now is a good time to review your status and make any needed changes.

For official voter registration deadlines and details, visit the New York State Board of Elections: https://on.ny.gov/4hVq6RU

10/16/2026

People with I/DD may be targeted by scammers who impersonate government offices, threaten loss of benefits or pressure them to quickly share personal information or send money.

Families, caregivers, Care Managers and provider partners can help people recognize warning signs and know what to do when something feels suspicious.

Learn more about protecting yourself and the people you support: https://bit.ly/3VNW1MA

10/15/2026

October is Health Literacy Month, a reminder that understanding health information can help people make informed choices for themselves and their families. 💙

As flu season begins, this is a great time to ask questions, talk with a trusted healthcare provider and learn more about vaccines, including the annual flu shot.

Vaccine education matters. Clear, accessible information can help reduce confusion, support prevention and empower people to take steps that protect their health and the health of their community.

Small conversations can make a big difference. Stay informed, stay prepared and take care of one another this season. 💉

10/14/2026

Meet Paul and Naome! 🎉

Two CDNY members, Paul and Naome, recently worked with the NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities to help create a training video on how senior centers can best support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Their voices and experiences helped shape an important resource focused on inclusion, respect and better support in community spaces.

We are so proud to celebrate Paul and Naome's advocacy and the meaningful impact they are making for others.

Senior centers play an important role in helping older adults stay ...

10/13/2026

Care Management Week gives us a chance to shine a light on the people who help others navigate care, services and support with compassion and dedication. 💙

Care managers do so much behind the scenes for individuals and families, including coordinating, advocating, problem-solving and more, helping individuals and families feel less alone.

This week, we recognize the care managers whose work makes a meaningful difference every day. Your patience, heart and commitment help strengthen the lives of the people and communities you serve.

Thank you for all that you do.

10/12/2026

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize the histories, cultures, traditions and ongoing contributions of Indigenous communities.

This day invites reflection, learning and respect for the people who have cared for these lands for generations and whose voices continue to shape our shared future.

At CDNY, we acknowledge the importance of listening, learning and supporting Indigenous communities with dignity and respect.