ACHIEVE

Mark your calendars! The Disability Unite Festival returns to Central Park in Manhattan today for a day of music, performances, resources, and community celebration. Join thousands of New Yorkers in celebrating and supporting the I/DD community.

For more information, visit: https://disabilityunite.org/

New York Disability Advocates The Arc New York

At ACHIEVE, we believe that investing in our communities begins with investing in the future leaders and professionals who will shape them.

That's why we have proudly launched our 2026 Scholarship Program, providing scholarship funds to one graduating student from each school district across the three counties we serve. These scholarships recognize students who are pursuing careers in health and human services—fields dedicated to caring for, supporting, and strengthening the lives of others.

We were honored to recognize these incredibly deserving students, listed below, and can't wait to see the impact they will make in their communities for years to come. Congratulations to each of our scholarship recipients on this well-earned achievement!

We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to each of the school districts for welcoming us into your schools, allowing us to present these scholarships, and helping us celebrate these outstanding students. Your partnership in recognizing and encouraging the next generation of compassionate professionals means so much to us.

Congratulations to all of our 2026 ACHIEVE Scholarship recipients! We are excited to follow your journeys and watch the incredible difference you'll make in the lives of others. 💙

Alexandra Blaise - Chenango Valley High School
Ava Sager - Binghamton High School
Carsten Crawford - Owego High School (Not pictured)
Dylan Stearns - Whitney Point High School
Jessalyn Powell - Harpursville High School
Kendra Ekstrom - Greene High School
Melanie Morales - Norwich High School
Natalia Smith - Union Endicott High School
Natalie Spooner - Maine Endwell High School
Olivia Cheresnowsky - Waverly High School
Sharoni Tisha - Vestal Senior High School
Sophia Haney - Tioga Central High School

Last week, members of our self-advocate group traveled to the SANYS Conference in Rochester, and what an incredible experience it was!

Throughout the conference, our self-advocates strengthened their self-advocacy skills, connected with advocates from across New York, and built even stronger friendships with one another. Every session offered new opportunities to learn, grow, and gain confidence in using their voices to create positive change.

When they weren't attending conference sessions, the group explored the Rochester Museum & Science Center, discovering new exhibits, learning together, and sharing plenty of laughs along the way.

From the ride there to the ride home, the laughter never stopped! This trip was so much more than a conference—it was a chance to grow as self-advocates, support one another, and celebrate the friendships that make our group so special. They returned home feeling inspired, empowered, and excited for what comes next!

🧡 Want to stand alongside our self-advocates? There's still time to become a Member!

Membership with ACHIEVE and The Arc New York is a low-cost, easy way to support ACHIEVE and organizations like ours. By adding your name to our growing list of supporters, you help strengthen our collective voice as we advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at both the state and federal levels.

Become a member today by visiting: tinyurl.com/ACHIEVEMembership26

Together, we can build a more inclusive future for everyone.

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at ACHIEVE! ❤️🤍💙

Today, we celebrate our nation's independence and the freedoms that bring us together. As we gather with family, friends, and our communities, we're reminded that the strongest communities are built on inclusion, belonging, and opportunities for everyone.

We hope you have a safe, happy, and memorable Independence Day filled with fun, laughter, and time spent with those who matter most.

Happy Fourth of July! 🎆