Welcome to the Inter Agency Council
NEURODIVERSITY RULES
Our over 155 member organizations are New York City’s leading providers of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
We are proud to champion them in shaping a world where neurodiversity is not only tolerated but valued.
Thank you to our 2024 Conference Sponsors!
OUR VISION
A BETTER FUTURE FOR ALL
The goal of a society that appreciates and encourages all, whatever their differences or disabilities, is within reach. While there is much we still don’t know about brain, body, and behavior, we know more all the time about how to support and encourage people with challenges.
The dramatic improvements of recent years—the doubling of life expectancy for people with disability, for one thing— inspire us all to do more. We envision a new landscape of possibilities in which everyone gets the supports they need to realize their potential.
We look forward to a time when inclusion will be taken for granted.
OUR POWER
LEVERAGING STRENGTHS
For our member organizations, ‘leading agencies’ isn’t a boast but a commitment. Together they have advanced the state of care considerably in just a few decades, and today apply their invaluable shared knowledge, experience and insight to address new challenges.
At the same time, many provider organizations struggle to meet growing needs with inconsistent or inadequate funding. Fortunately, those who approach their jobs as a calling as well as a career take overcoming obstacles to be part of the job. They know that being connected increases their effectiveness and accelerates innovation.
OUR VALUE
A PLACE TO PROBLEM SOLVE
We approach problems as opportunities—whether a chance to be helpful to our members or advocate on their behalf. The experienced IAC team is always ready to help with a an almost infinite variety of operational issues. Our Technical Assistance is a tailored resource for our members and can be a lifeline for smaller agencies.
We stand ready to do what we can—with something as simple as providing needed information, stepping up to help resolve a complex matter with government or clarifying regulatory issues.
OUR FUTURE
A PLATFORM FOR INNOVATION
Re-inventing and re-invigorating a field that supports people once defined by low expectations is our shared work-in- progress. To improve lives for people with often complex and imperfectly understood conditions is seldom simple or easy. Better supports are often more affordable in the long run, and our member organizations are determined to do more than upgrade traditional offerings.
AS CATALYSTS WE CAN HELP THEM:
- shape new models of care
- explore new ways of integrating technology
- forge new alliances with the private sector
- advance the use of data
- create changes that will ensure system sustainability
THE FUTURE DEMANDS THIS OF US!
ADVOCACY
A VOICE FOR CHANGE
The goals of the disability movement are our goals. If impassioned advocacy has been vital in the past to overcoming prejudice and creating both awareness and opportunity, it will be just as important to the future.
IAC is ideally positioned to speak up for our cause in a time of new opportunities as well as new threats. This movement did not help bring people in from the margins by being passive and accepting. We, like those we serve, are determined to look forward to more options, better funding and increasing recognition of the needs and potential of people with disabilities.
IAC
LEADERSHIP
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Winifred Schiff, Chief Executive Officer
Richard Bosch, Chief of Staff
Christopher Treiber, Chief of Children's Services
Mary Knox, LCSW, Chief Operating Officer
BOARD OFFICERS:
Lisa Veglia – President
Matthew Sturiale, 1st Vice President
Dahlian Porter, 2nd Vice President
Tibisay Guzman – Treasurer
Omayra Andino – Secretary
Edmund O’Donnell – Assistant Secretary
Walter Stockton – ALIA Representative
BOARD MEMBERS:
Yvette B. Andre
Janis Aris
Scott Barkin
Maria Bediako
Robert Budd
Irene Cavanagh
Robert Ciatto
Marco Damiani
Josie Davide
Frank De Lucia Eileen Egan
Eric Fenton
Ryan Garofalo
Joanne Gerenser
Thomas Hopkins
Kathy Kelly
Kim Kubasek
Adam Lancer
Joyce Levin
Gilbert Louis
Thomas Lydon
Gail Nachimson
Kathleen Nowak
Margaret Puddington
Mary Rafferty
Terri Ross
Bryan Rothenstein
Monica Santos
Jackie Scarcella
Joanne Siegel
Michael Smith
Celia Solomita
Meyer Wertheimer
IAC
USEFUL INFORMATION
MAIL & PHONE:
info@iacny.org
IAC: 212-645-6360
IATS: 212-494-0006
ADDRESS:
150 West 30th Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10001
CONTACTS:
Media inquiries: Wini Schiff wini@iacny.org
Transportation: Mary Knox mary@iacny.org
Membership inquiries: Jennie Contuzzi jennie@iacny.org
Technical Assistance: info@iacny.org
Legal Counsel: Rachel Fernbach IACLEGAL@moritthock.com