Your Support in action during the pandemic

Nearly 9000 telemedicine visits through Center Health Care

Staff training on new tools & techniques

Maintained school services to over 200 students

Equipping staff with PP

More stringent cleaning & sanitization protocols

A Stronger, Shared Mission:

Your support helped us face an ever changing world

COVID-19 challenged us in 2020, and the fight against the pandemic continues to lead us into uncharted territory. But through a most difficult year, the Center remained focused on our mission and exhibited strength at every level—strength made possible through the support of our donors. The funds raised in past annual appeals armed us with resources and technology, and provided a foundation for success. We were able to pivot to remote learning and the delivery of healthcare services through telemedicine. And, we invested in protecting those that receive support from the Center and our staff. Because of this strong foundation, the Center has been able to react quickly, maintain safety and help others continue on their path to achieving their goals.

Thanks to the creativity of our Langan School staff, our graduates were able to celebrate this milestone with a socially distanced outdoor ceremony, surrounded by their staff, family and friends.

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Center Heroes in Action

More than ever, Center staff is committed to our mission: to enable and empower people, primarily those with disabilities, to lead healthy and enriched lives.

Giving back to the community that supports us

When the Capital Region’s medical community had an urgent need for personal protective equipment for front line healthcare workers, the Life Quality Solutions Incubator (LQSI)—the Center’s research and development arm—knew it had the ingenuity to respond.

With a small but growing operation focused on solving mobility and other problems through product innovation, LQSI staff pivoted to meeting frontline medical workers’ needs for PPE.

After making some adjustments to an existing design, the incubator’s staff, fellows, and volunteers were able to meet the need by fabricating 775 face shields in about two weeks.

“Logan was struggling with handwriting, so I FaceTimed his occupational therapist and after our conversation she texted me videos of herself singing these songs that she sings to him with a model of her drawing the letters of his name and it made all the difference in the world. It still floors me how he simply needed to hear Michelle sing to him. That was the missing piece, such a beautiful gesture that made a world of difference for him.”

-Wendy Harnisher, Parent of Langan School student

“The resilience and effort put forth by the Center Staff during these uncertain times has definitely earned them ‘superhero’ status. Because of them, our loved ones have felt safe, secure and happy as they go through these unsettling days.”

-Laureen Calautti, Parent of an individual who receives services from the Center Special Events Chairs

“As with many other organizations and businesses in our community, the Center has felt the financial impact of COVID-19. Through it all, the Center and its incredible staff have remained steadfast in their commitment to the health and safety of the 12,000 individuals with disabilities and their families who benefit from their services. We are asking you to partner with us by making a year-end donation to sustain these vital programs and services and to ensure the Center will always be the place Where People get Better at Life!”

-Alex J. Tronco and Robert V. Marini, Jr., Center for Disability Services Foundation Board Members and Special Events Chairs

Help us continue our mission - no matter what lies ahead

Without your generous support over the years we would not have been prepared to face the challenges of this pandemic. But, the challenges are far from over.

Today, we need your support more than ever.

Your continued support will help us face the unknown challenges on the horizon.

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Moving forward, proactively

The center was able to make significant progress on several other fronts:

New residential home opened in Delmar, with renovations underway for a new Niskayuna home

Started a Day Habilitation Without Walls adult program, enabling greater community inclusion and independence

Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center continues to offer academic support and activities for families.

St. Margaret’s Center bedroom modernization for 74 children, 20 young adults, including ventilator-dependent children

Langan School added three classrooms and over 20 students