The NY Alliance, the Arc New York and DDAWNY are excited to invite you to join us for the 2026 Joint Legislative & Advocacy Forum taking place in-person on Monday, February 9, 2026 at The Hart Lounge of The Egg, Empire state Plaza, Albany, NY.

Agenda:

10:00am
Registration Opens

11:00 - 11:45am
The NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities’ State Budget, Public Policy & Programmatic Agenda for 2026
•    John Barbuto, Executive Deputy Commissioner, NYS OPWDD
•    Kevin Valenchis, Deputy Commissioner of Fiscal Policy and Management, NYS OPWDD
•    Eileen Haynes, General Counsel, NYS OPWDD

11:45am - 12:00pm
Honorable Angelo Santabarbara
Chair, NYS Assembly People with Disabilities Committee
Honorable Patricia Fahy
Chair, NYS Senate Disabilities Committee

12:00 - 12:45pm 
Lunch

12:00 - 12:45pm 
Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS) 
2026 Budget & Legislative Priorities

1:00 - 1:45pm
From Washington, D.C. to Albany, NY: Decisions and Impacts
•    Robert Megna, President, Rockefeller Institute of Government
•    Courtney Burke, Senior Fellow for Health Policy, Rockefeller Institute of Government

1:45 - 2:30pm
Inside New York State Government & Politics
•    Dana Carotenuto, Esq., Senior Vice President, MirRam Group

2:30 - 2:45pm 
Break

2:45 - 3:45pm
Expert Budget Panel Discussion: Perspectives on the Proposed FY 2027 Executive Budget
•    Dana Carotenuto, Esq., Senior Vice President, MirRam Group
•    Bill Hammond, Senior Fellow for Health Policy, Empire Center for Public Policy
•    Evan Sullivan, Senior Vice President, Ostroff Associates

3:45 - 4:00pm
NYDA Priorities
•    Mindy Cervoni, President/CEO, Community Services for Every1, Chair, Board of Directors, DDAWNY
•    Erik Geizer, President/CEO, The Arc NY
•    Michael Seereiter, President/CEO, NY Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation
•    Evan Sullivan, Senior Vice President, Ostroff Associates

About the Forum:

The annual Joint Legislative & Advocacy Forum provides access to information on the 2026-27 Executive Budget proposal, upcoming legislation, advocacy strategies, and opportunities to engage leadership in the Senate and Assembly.

Parents and family members, self-advocates, direct support professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and other stakeholders will hear from presenters across a wide range of timely topics, reflecting the importance for us to be a strong voice in Albany this year and beyond.

Help us ensure our voices are heard.
Join us in Albany and be part of our advocacy day.

Event Details & Registration

Event Details:
Monday, February 9th
Registration Opens: 10:00AM
Program: 10:00AM-4:00PM
A boxed lunch and light refreshments will be provided.

Registration Cost: $125/per person

Hotel reservations

The NY Alliance has secured a block of rooms at a discounted rate at the following hotel. Use the link below to reserve today! Rooms will book fast - don't delay.

Hampton Inn and Suites Albany Downtown
25 Chapel Street
Albany, NY 12210
Reserve Here

Meetings with State Legislators

Make Appointments Early!

If you plan to meet with State Legislators while joining us in Albany, we encourage you to make your appointments as soon as possible.

Click here to learn more about contacting State Legislators.