CIDNY Interview

#605 Great.com Talks With... CIDNY

Founded in the heart of New York over four decades ago, the Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York (CIDNY) has been a guiding light for individuals with disabilities. The history of CIDNY is etched with milestones that mark significant strides toward accessibility and rights for the disabled community. The organization emerged from a collective cry for change and recognition—rooted in the belief that every person should live with respect and equality.

Today we talk with Dr. Sharon McLennon-Wier, Executive Director of CIDNY, about championing independence, fostering pivotal policy reforms and facilitating the implementation of indispensable services for people with disability.

Championing Independence

CIDNY’s tapestry of services weaves a stronger community fabric, ensuring that people with disability receive the tailored support they require to lead self-directed and fulfilled lives. At CIDNY, the focus is not only on the individual’s immediate needs but also on enriching life's quality and amplifying every person’s voice in the ongoing dialogue for systemic progress.

Drawing from powerful personal narratives, CIDNY's peer counseling initiative is rooted in the knowledge that shared experiences forge the most impactful connections. This service exemplifies the compassionate core of CIDNY’s work—people with disabilities helping each other to overcome real-life challenges. Education spans beyond individual counseling, encompassing workshops and a bounty of resources that impart critical skills from self-advocacy to effective budget management. CIDNY plays a pivotal role in demystifying the intricate web of benefits, programs, and rights available to people with disabilities. Whether assisting in securing social security disability benefits or facilitating the transition from institutional care to community living, CIDNY's knowledgeable team guides individuals through each step with care and expertise.

CIDNY also knows that offering support as young individuals transition into adulthood is the key to planting seeds of future success. The center administers job readiness programs, furthers education opportunities, and lays down pathways to aid the community in reclaiming autonomy. For those returning from institutional living, CIDNY is the bridge back to life within the community, equipping individuals with the tools needed for stable and fruitful independence.

But CIDNY's vision extends beyond just personal empowerment; it tackles the systemic barriers head-on, striving to reform and reshape the systems that affect disabled individuals. Through steadfast advocacy and a voice that challenges inequality, CIDNY is an agent of change, reshaping policy, and attitudes, and ensuring equal access for all. With every initiative, CIDNY reaffirms its commitment to crafting a world where the right to make choices and pursue aspirations is uncompromised by disability. Each service rendered, each life touched, builds towards a collective vision of a diverse and unified community that embraces every member's potential.

CIDNY's unwavering dedication to their community reflects a commitment to equality, autonomy, and inclusion. As they continue to champion the rights and aspirations of individuals with disabilities, CIDNY remains a guiding light and a catalyst for positive change in New York City and beyond.

Want to know more about CIDNY? Make sure to read their stories, as every one of these stories matter, and to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.