C4SD is elevating the standard for affordable, integrated, and supportive housing for Participants in OPWDD’s Self Direction communities across New York State. Our dedication to sustainability will result in transformative and equitable housing options for Self-Direction Participants, related communities, and industry partners.

The C4SD Housing Initiative has focused on identifying and comparing existing New York State Self Direction Housing models and the gaps that exist with them.

In this next phase of our work, we have created working groups to address the following three priority areas and create resources and advocacy strategies to address them.  

Housing Subsidy Working group: create a guide for applying for a housing subsidy and identify gaps in the process where education and advocacy is needed

Housing Solutions Advocacy Statewide group: advocate to local and state legislators to breakdown barriers including issues of sustainability;  help to pilot creative housing solutions as demonstration projects

Housing Connect in NYC: identify issues and propose creative solutions for affordable housing in NYC and beyond which may include housing for two or more adults and/or set asides for a neurodiverse community.

We welcome involvement in supporting and joining these work groups to focus on housing advocacy, expanding options and sustainability.

For more resources, please click here.

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Workforce Coalition is a collaborative group of nonprofits and community leaders that meets every six weeks on line on Fridays from 12 pm to 1 pm to share updates and strategies on internships and employment opportunities for people with autism. Launched in late 2023 by Beth Rosenberg, Executive Director and Founder of TechUnlimited.org, the Coalition provides a forum for building partnerships, exchanging resources, and advancing inclusive workforce practices. Current partners include the Intrepid Museum, JobPath, AHRC, Future Centered Care, TechUnlimited, Invictus Bakery, and the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, among others. The Coalition also hosts guest speakers from institutions such as Landmark College and CUNY, creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing and strengthening connections between education, workforce development, and the disability community.