Mission and History

The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of New York State (CDPAANYS) began as a forceful grassroots effort.

Many advocates, people with disabilities and individuals supportive of this burgeoning model began meeting in 1997. Fresh from the legislative victory that created the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) in New York State (section 365-f of the Social Services Law), this dedicated group met regularly, sharing information and supporting each other through the early years of CDPAP infrastructure building across New York State.

The New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) awarded CDPAANYS with two grants, the second of which provided the seed money to formalize the organization into a legal entity. In 2000, the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of New York State, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, was born.

CDPAANYS retains its grassroots heritage through the continued support of key stakeholders such as people with disabilities who are users of home health care services and individuals who fervently believe in CDPAP. These stakeholders continue to build, brick by brick, CDPAANYS infrastructure. The association began a new phase of its evolution by establishing a staffed office in Albany, the capital of New York State.

CDPAANYS has worked extensively with the Legislature, New York State Department of Health, the Governor’s office, and other state agencies to protect and promote consumer direction in New York. CDPAANYS’ advocacy and government relations efforts have resulted in a number of significant victories for providers, consumers, personal assistants and their families.