Annual Advocacy Institute

What is the Advocacy Institute?

The Advocacy Institute is a leadership developmental program that empowers people with developmental disabilities and their family members to become effective advocates. Offered by the NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities, along with the New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation and The Arc New York, this leadership program is designed for people who are new to advocacy.

This program supports people with developmental disabilities and family members who want to learn how to speak up, share their experiences, and make a difference in their communities. Through the Advocacy Institute, participants will build knowledge and confidence in their ability to communicate effectively with decision-makers, and advocate for policies that are important to them.

Through this program, participants gain:

A strong foundation in advocacy and leadership
Confidence in sharing stories and experiences
An understanding of how policies impact services and supports
Connections with others who are passionate about change

Eligibility and Commitment

Each year, the CDD seeks approximately 30 people with developmental disabilities, family members or caregivers who:

Are new to advocacy and want to gain more skills
Live in different regions of New York State
Have diverse backgrounds

The Advocacy Institute is a full-day, in-person experience, that is hosted annually in Albany NY and is free to attend for selected participants. Travel reimbursement and hotel accommodations are provided to qualifying participants. Participants are expected to attend an introductory session the evening before the full day session. Upon successful completion of the full day training, participants will earn a certificate of completion.

Participants who have participated in previous Advocacy Institutes are not permitted to apply.

How to Apply

The application period for the 2026 Advocacy Institute has closed.

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Testimonials

“Thank you for the blessing of meeting wonderful participants who embody the love, sacrifice, joy, perseverance, resilience, wisdom, and yes, more love to journey in the path of ‘abilities’…. We honestly look forward to this continued journey knowing that more progress will be made.”
--- Advocacy Institute Participant

“I loved the table groups and how you put it together…. The host/hostess made everyone feel welcome. I feel everyone had a voice (that wanted to). Great job! Hope this continues.”
--- Advocacy Institute Participant