Citizens Options Unlimited

Citizens supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live the lives they choose.

[Citizens Options Unlimited @Citizens_Inc]

Scott Ardis and Michael Barry, residents of the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), visited the local Post Office to drop off donations collected by staff to Operation Gratitude, which proudly delivers care packages to troops and first responders.

[Citizens Options Unlimited @Citizens_Inc]

Did you know that our Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) has a beautiful sensory garden? 🌻🌺🌼
Please stop by and enjoy!
#Sensoryfriendly #Sensorygardens #Shoreham #NorthShore #Gardening #Gardens #Art

[Citizens Options Unlimited @Citizens_Inc]

With heavy hearts, we share the news of the unexpected passing of Michael Bjorkander, a beloved member of our Camp Loyaltown family for over 13 years.
Together, let's remember Mike as a part of our Camp Loyaltown family and a friend to everyone within it.

[Citizens Options Unlimited @Citizens_Inc]

Food and fun!
Thursday night friends from Ontario (Plainview) and Bay Shore houses met for dinner at the Applebee's Grill + Bar in Farmingdale last week.
Everyone had a great time getting to know one another and enjoying delicious food! Where should they go next? #Foodie #Friends

[Citizens Options Unlimited @Citizens_Inc]

Camp Loyaltown's full-time administrative and seasonal nursing team have arrived! They are looking forward to serving all of the wonderful campers this summer.
#CampLoyaltown #Camp #Summercamp #Summer2024 #Summertime #Nurses #Nurselife

[Citizens Options Unlimited @Citizens_Inc]

Citizens Options Unlimited Board President Hallie Klein and her older brother David Greene have the best brother-sister bond! Read more on our blog at https://t.co/Ih7ReRc7r6
#AutismAwarenessMonth #AutismAcceptanceMonth #AutismAwareness #Siblings #FloralPark

[AHRC New York City @AHRCNYC]

From our CEO, Marco Damiani in @NYDailyNews: "New York State’s final $237 billion budget fails to meet the needs of New Yorkers with disabilities, their families, the workforce that supports them and the nonprofit provider agencies." https://t.co/NHN6pCCDV3

[New York Disability Advocates @NYDisabilityAdv]

Our statement on the New York State FY2025 Budget ⬇️

@GovKathyHochul @AndreaSCousins @CarlHeastie

[Citizens Options Unlimited @Citizens_Inc]

Meet camper Hannah Siu!
"I am looking forward to meeting new people and having a good time."
#CampLoyaltown #Citizens #Summer

[Citizens Options Unlimited @Citizens_Inc]

Your advocacy efforts helped us get a 2.84% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
But we need more!
Join our call to action for:
-A flexible 3.2% COLA
-A Direct Support Wage Enhancement (DSWE)
Easily send a letter to your representatives at
https://t.co/61N40D5uWl.

[New York Disability Advocates @NYDisabilityAdv]

Calling all NY I/DD Advocates‼️This Wednesday, we'll be online all day urging @GovKathyHochul and the legislature to #InvestInME! 

Help us make our voice heard by spreading our message & sharing your stories using the hashtag #NYDADayOfAction. Let's make some noise!📢🧡

[Imagine! @ImagineCOinfo]

Data points among the key findings from @TheRealANCOR State of America’s Direct Support Workforce Crisis 2023

[NYSID @NYSIDSpeaks]

What happens when nonprofits that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can't recruit and retain enough staff to provide daily care for the 140,000 vulnerable New Yorkers who can't function without it?

https://t.co/OJhvalJSQC

[New York Disability Advocates @NYDisabilityAdv]

DSWE isn't just about fair wages; it's a fight for equality. Let's value and recognize the crucial work of care service workers—72% women, 63% WOC. It's time for equality in care.

[New York Disability Advocates @NYDisabilityAdv]

The 2 separate and distinct components of the #InvestInMe package, a 3.2% COLA and DSWE, are crucial to ensuring nonprofit provider agencies can:

1. Maintain vital programs & services
2. Keep up with rising operating costs due to inflation
3. Recruit & retain essential staff

[Citizens Options Unlimited @Citizens_Inc]

Before joining a disability agency like ours, families and people supported can learn about eligibility for @NYSOPWDD supports and services and about the types of supports and services available.

Register for a session at: https://t.co/SyfWTjsfNE

#DisabilityServices #LongIsland

[OPWDD @NYSOPWDD]

Learn about how you can become eligible for OPWDD supports and services, the types of supports and services available and where you can go to get assistance.

Register for an information session on our website: https://t.co/8Sd1bLKnAJ

[Disability Scoop @disabilityscoop]

With new guidance, the U.S. Department of Education is warning state vocational rehabilitation agencies that they need to provide more than minimal services in their efforts to help people with #disabilities gain #employment. https://t.co/A0yPlSBPHg

[Congressman John W. Mannion @JohnMannionNY22]

Supporting the workforce with higher pay, providing better services and housing, implementing an emergency staffing plan, and OPWDD oversight will all be priorities for the Disabilities Committee in 2024.

https://t.co/ejBPgnz7pa

[Disability Scoop @disabilityscoop]

People with intellectual and developmental #disabilities of all ages can find support for their housing, education and medical needs all in one spot in what officials hope will become a national model. https://t.co/ycoyFUK51z