Special Olympics New York and Advance Care Alliance of New York (ACA/NY) Partner to Promote & Provide Health Care Equity in New York
New York City, NY – Special Olympics New York and Advance Care Alliance of New York (ACA/NY) are dedicated to ensuring and improving access to health care services for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Continuing in this effort, the two organizations have announced a new partnership aimed at tackling health disparities within this population while creating equitable opportunities.
“This is one of our most exciting health collaborations yet,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President and CEO of Special Olympics New York. “Through extensive cross-promotion, support, and more, we plan to improve our already outstanding health care for individuals with disabilities in New York.”
Programs have already begun as representatives from ACA/NY recently volunteered at Special Olympics New York’s annual floor hockey tournament, the Winter Classic, at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Manhattan, creating a fun and engaging experience for the members they serve.
“It was a tremendous opportunity for ACA/NY to be a part of Special Olympics New York’s Winter Classic,” said Jaime Madden, Chief Administrative Officer of Advance Care Alliance of New York (ACA/NY). “What a sight it was to watch the extraordinary examples of teamwork and athleticism displayed by the athletes and coaches.”
As this partnership progresses, Special Olympics NY will disseminate important health information via ACA/NY’s Family Forum program to educate constituents across the region. ACA/NY will attend several Downstate Special Olympics NY events throughout 2022, sharing their services and information with athletes, coaches, and families. In addition, ACA/NY will provide volunteers for Special Olympics NY’s Healthy Athletes initiatives. Healthy Athletes is a Special Olympics program that provides free health screenings and health education in a fun, welcoming environment.
“As we continue to grow our relationship with one another, ACA/NY looks forward to many more events of inclusion with Special Olympics New York,” said Madden.
The organizations will co-host a Family Forum meeting to introduce Special Olympics New York program opportunities to ACA/NY families. Details are as follows:
- When: Monday, January 24 at 6pm
- How to join: Register via this link
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About Advance Care Alliance of New York (ACA/NY)
ACA/NY is a 501I(3) nonprofit organization offering comprehensive care coordination to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), encouraging them to lead healthy, fulfilling and meaningful lives. ACA/NY is a New York State Care Coordination Organization (CCO) designated by the New York State Department of Health and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
ACA/NY supports nearly 25,000 people throughout New York City, Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley. In 2021, ACA/NY formed a strategic partnership with LIFEPlan CCO NY and together the organizations serve 44,000 members throughout 45 counties in New York State, significantly expanding access to quality services and enhancing advocacy. Founded in 2018 when 100+ diverse OPWDD-licensed/funded community-based agencies with decades of experience joined together, ACA/NY provides responsive, person-centered care coordination services. ACA/NY’s founding agencies and their leadership teams have been pioneers in the field, advocating for community integration and against institutionalization through the creation of innovative programs and approaches for people with I/DD and their families. For more information visit www.acany.org.
About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 51,000 registered Athletes and Unified Partners across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with about 250 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.
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