Advocates was established by a small group of caring families of people with developmental disabilities over twenty years ago. Today, we are dedicated to empowering individuals and their families to lead full and meaningful lives in their community. We provide the information, support, and resources individuals and families need to achieve their goals in life. Advocacy is core to our mission. We provide individual, family and systems advocacy.
Our Board of Directors’ membership consists of a majority of parents of people with developmental disabilities and people with developmental disabilities. Our senior management team consists of parents of people with developmental disabilities. We know what experiencing life with a developmental disability means and we can help you access the information, resources and supports you need.
Advocates has over 800 dedicated professionals serving over 600 individuals and family members throughout Central New York.
Our Mission
Advocates is a person-centered not for profit organization that empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to direct their own lives and create a vision for their future. Together, we advocate for a future where people with developmental disabilities can fully participate in their home, schools, and communities in a meaningful way.
