PROMOTE training provides staff with the tools they need to help people with development disabilities live richer lives. Much has been learned since New York State implemented the Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention (SCIP-R) program. PROMOTE encompasses the best practices developed over the past decade, along with up-to-date teaching strategies and technologies designed to effectively engage learners. Promoting a higher quality of life for people with developmental disabilities is everyone’s job. This work can often be challenging and requires staff to think on their feet. With PROMOTE training as a foundation, staff will support each other, communicate effectively, and create a culture that is built on positive relationships. Positive relationships promote richer lives!

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides more opportunities and supports for individuals with disabilities to gain skills and prepare for working and earning. This tip sheet provides an overview of the law and provides links to the two agencies that provide vocational rehabilitation in New York State.

Starbridge offers a wide variety of resources and services. Please view the Starbridge website to learn more.

The Disability Employment Initiative's (DEI) strives to:

• Improve educational, training, and employment opportunities and outcomes for adults with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed, and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits, by refining and expanding already identified successful public workforce strategies;
• Help these individuals with disabilities find a path into the middle class through exemplary and model service delivery by the public workforce system;
• Improve coordination and collaboration among employment, training and asset development programs implemented at state and local levels, including the expansion of the public workforce investment system's capacity to serve as Employment Networks under the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program; and
• Build effective community partnerships that leverage public and private resources to better serve individuals with disabilities and improve employment outcomes.

Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) starts with the presumption that all individuals with disabilities can benefit from vocational rehabilitation services and should have opportunities to work in jobs integrated within their communities. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors guide individuals through service programs they need to reach their employment goal.

Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) offers access to a full range of employment and independent living services that may be needed by persons with disabilities throughout their lives.

Use this interactive map to locate the ACCES-VR office in your county.

Centers for Independent Living (CIL) are community-based, cross-disability, non-profit organizations that are designed and operated by people with disabilities. CILs are unique in that they operate according to a strict philosophy of consumer control, wherein people with all types of disabilities directly govern and staff the organization. Centers for Independent Living Provide:

• Peer Support
• Information and Referral
• Individual and Systems Advocacy
• Independent Living Skills Training

Locate Centers for Independent Living (CIL) using our mapping tool.