Resources & Networks

As part of the larger network of the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, we provide links to services offered by other agencies within the Diocese and the community.

  • Access Pass

    A program offered by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, the Access Pass enables U.S. citizens or permanent residents of any age with a permanent disability free entry into NYS parks and swimming.

    At many sites the Access Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).

    Learn More

  • Adaptive Sports Program

    Provides sports instruction and recreational activities for individuals with special needs that enhance the participant's self esteem and independence and to provide training to those associated with the student that enables them all to independently enjoy the recreational environment.

    Learn More

  • The Double H Ranch

    A program that offers summer and winter camps and activities for children 6-18 with special needs and/or a critical illness.

    Learn More

  • Friday “Knights” Rec. Program

    The Friday Knights Recreation Program is a structured and supportive recreational environment for children and adolescents who need opportunities for social interaction beyond what is available through school settings or community recreation programs. The participants include children and adolescents who have difficulties relating to their peers and may need extra support or more opportunities to use the skills they have learned in social skills groups. Children with autism spectrum disorders or other social challenges are welcome in the program.

    Learn More

  • STRIDE Adaptive Sports

    STRIDE Adaptive Sports is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides over 8,000 adaptive sport and recreation lessons each year to individuals with disabilities, focusing on youth and Wounded Warriors. STRIDE utilizes over 300 skilled volunteer sport instructors; serves over 1,500 families; and offers programs in more than 17 different sports at 26+ regional locations in the Northeastern US. With a focus on individual lifetime sports, our programs use specialized equipment or teaching aids for successful participation to “level the playing field” for all.

    STRIDE is a partner member of Disabled Sports USA and Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA/AASI); a US Paralympic Sport Club; a training club for New York Special Olympics; and an official Red Cross provider. We are recognized as one of the leading adaptive sport programs in the Northeastern United States.

    Sports Programs Include: Archery, Dance, Ski/Snowboard, Snowshoeing/Hiking, Bowling, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, Yoga, Biking, Sailing, Sled Hockey, Target Shooting and Whitewater Rafting

    Learn More

  • Saratoga Therapeutic Equestrian Program (STEP)

    The Saratoga Therapeutic Equestrian Program (STEP) is dedicated to helping special needs individuals achieve a maximum degree of freedom, independence and mobility through tested and innovative methods of equine assisted therapy and medical rehabilitation.

    Learn More

Helpful Links

  • State Government:

    Governor Cuomo: www.governor.ny.gov
    OPWDD: www.opwdd.ny.gov
    Justice Center: www.justicecenter.ny.gov
    Developmental Disabilities Planning Council: www.ddpc.ny.gov
    State Education Department: www.nysed.gov
    State Education Department Vocational Services: www.access.nysed.gov/vr
    Department of Health: www.health.ny.gov

  • Advocacy

    Self-Advocacy Association of New York State: www.sanys.org
    Parent to Parent: www.parenttoparent.org
    Prader-Willi Association USA: www.pwsausa.org
    Prader-Willi Alliance of New York: www.prader-willi.org
    Brain Injury Association of New York State: www.bianys.org
    Autism Speaks: www.autismspeaks.org

  • Other Services

    Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany: www.ccrcda.org
    Stride: www.stride.org
    Best Buddies: www.bestbuddiesnewyork.org
    Center for Autism and Related Disabilities: www.albany.edu/autism

  • Legal and Law Offices

    The website: www.courtsystem.org includes a database of listings for emergency, legal and law enforcement government offices in the country, and includes phone numbers and directions.

    Read more

  • Voting Rights Assistance

    BALLOT MARKING DEVICE: A Ballot Marking Device (BMD) is a piece of equipment that allows individuals with low vision, limited dexterity, physical impairments, and other disabilities to vote privately, securely, accurately, and independently using a variety of accessories, including sip and puff, a paddle or audio tactile interface. Voters are able to enlarge the print of the ballot on the BMD and headphones can be used to have the ballot read to the voter.

    If you have had a negative experience using a BMD, please contact DRNY or the New York State Attorney General’s office. DRNY can assist you in submitting a complaint with the New York State Board of Election. If you use a BMD the next time you vote, please contact DRNY afterwards to share your experience. With your help, we can accomplish our goal of making sure that all BMDs across New York State are available for immediate use at every election and that everyone who wants to use a BMD can do so without any problems.

    VOTING RIGHTS ASSISTANCE:

    NYS Attorney General: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 212-416-8250

    DRNY: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 1-800-993-8982

    Watch DRNY’s BMD YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/7zxcBHiVmWw

    DRNY is supported by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration; U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration; and, the Social Security Administration. This Newsletter does not represent the views, positions or policies of, or the endorsements by, any of these federal agencies.

    Copyright © 2016 DRNY, All rights reserved. www.DRNY.org

    Our mailing address is: Disability Rights New York 725 Broadway, Suite 450 Albany, New York 12207