Senator John Brooks (SD-8) was proud to present a funding award of $10,000 to Supporting Our Youth & Adults Network, Inc. (SOYAN) to help support their creation of a well-designed, ADA compliant and user-friendly website to supplement their work with the disabled community.
A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, SOYAN is a network of parents and family members, self-advocates and professionals who work together to support youth and adults as they navigate their communities and embark on the journey of a self-determined life and is supported by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Their volunteer leadership, headed by President Leslie Feinberg, keeps abreast of the ever-changing landscape of state budgets, legislative initiatives, OPWDD and Department of Health policy and regulation changes and then relays important and up-to-date information with its membership of families via email and at in-person and virtual meetings.
Senator Brooks said, “COVID has emphasized the need for organizations to have an organized internet presence in order to successfully carry out their work. For an organization like SOYAN that works to create an equitable society for our disabled community, this necessity is ever-more pressing. As such, I am proud to have obtained funding to assist them as they create a safe place online for youths and adults to autonomously obtain information and assistance.”
Striving to preserve dignity and self-determination for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to safeguard the progress that has already been gained for them, and to protect and enhance their quality of life within the community, this funding award will enable SOYAN to construct an internet presence to create cohesive family engagement as well as establish a storehouse for resources and up to the minute information.
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