Center for Independence of the Disabled New York (CIDNY)

Founded in 1978, the Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY (CIDNY) is a leading advocate for the civil rights of people with disabilities in New York City. We work one-on-one with individuals to create a roadmap to achieve their goals. We educate people with disabilities about their rights and the public todeepen understanding of disability.- We listen to our community and together we educate the public and policymakers.- People with disabilities lead our advocacy network, offering leadership and skill development.- We research and survey conditions in the community to identify barriers that impede access.- We share our findings with policymakers to advocate for correction of the barriers we find.- We partner with the University of New Hampshire to provide the public and policymakers with up to date information on status and well-being of people with disabilities.- We advocate with lawmakers and in the courts for fair and effective policies that will increase opportunities for full inclusion and for implementation and enforcement of existing law.- We demonstrate for our rights.- We educate and help people with disabilities learn to navigate complex systems and, through appeals, solve difficult problems that impede access to education, employment, housing, health care, food and transportation.- We help people know whether they are eligible for community supports and apply for them.- We use our experiences as people with disabilities and our knowledge to help them achieve goals that will improve their lives.- We educate the public to enhance their understanding of disability issues by appearing in leading mainstream media outlets and through social media and encourage people with disabilities to participate in public dialogues on key issues.