News

The New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) is creating its next state / strategic plan to inform its direction and goals for the next five years. As part of this process, the DDPC is "seeking the input of those most impacted by our work," including but not limited to, individuals with disabilities, family members, caregivers, staff, and others.
Read more: NYS DDPC Seeks Public Input for Strategic Planning

State and local elected officials, supporters, and people with disabilities and their families gathered yesterday morning to celebrate the official open house of Starbridge, an agency serving people with disabilities and their families.

Happy Autumn! It feels like just yesterday that summer began and we announced our new name. Here we are, three months later, and we have lots to share:
Click to read Message from President/CEOMessage from the President/CEO - September 2015

In September, NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is hosting public forums across the state as part of the work of its Transformation Panel. As the State looks towards implementing managed care, the panel will “engage people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, advocates and providers before deciding on the recommendations and finalizing an implementation plan.”
Read more: Share Your Thoughts, Ideas & Concerns with OPWDD’s Transformation Panel

The Rochester City School District is considering adopting a new Code of Conduct during the 2015-16 school year. Developed by the Community Task Force on School Climate, the draft Code is open for public review and comment. The draft Code and the current Code are available in both English and Spanish. To read the new draft and compare to the current code, please go to the District’s website: http://www.rcsdk12.org/Page/41125
Read more: Families in the RCSD: Deadline Extended to Share Your Perspectives on Code of Conduct

Starbridge is pleased to announce that its application to continue serving as a Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) for all of New York State except the five boroughs and Long Island was successful. The five-year grant totals $2.3 million and provides funding to serve families and students with disabilities and suspected disabilities who are looking for information, seeking support in addressing educational needs, and working to build positive family-school relationships.
Read more: Starbridge Awarded $2.3 Million Grant from US Department of Education

Two of the greater Rochester region's legacy non-profits serving people with disabilities have announced the completion of their merger and the new name for the resulting organization. In May, the NYS Attorney General's office ratified the merger of The Advocacy Center and LDA Life and Learning Services. June 1 marked the first day of operations of Starbridge (starbridgeinc.org), as the combined organization will now be known.
Read more: The Advocacy Center, LDA Life and Learning Services Merger Complete