About Us

Advocates is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) parent-directed organization providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.  As an organization, we were started by parents of children with developmental disabilities with the goal of full inclusion for their children. Our goal is to partner with individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and the community-at-large to create opportunities for individuals to lead inclusive lives in our community. We provide advocacy, resources, information and choices to empower individuals and their families. There is no charge for any of our services.

Our Mission

• We promote the value, potential and full participation of all people in the community.
• We advocate across the life span for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
• We assist people with developmental disabilities to direct their own lives and choose their services and supports from many available sources.
• We encourage people with developmental disabilities and their families to develop a vision for their future.
• We believe that all is possible when we join together.

What We Do

We serve over 700 children and adults with disabilities and their families in Central New York. Advocates works with individuals with a wide variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Genetic Syndromes, Muscular Dystrophy, Epilepsy, and other medical disabilities.

Our History

Advocates, originally named "Familycapped", was started in 1990 as a support group by parents to support parents. By 1994, Advocates evolved into an incorporated not-for-profit organization and expanded through a New York State grant. In 2004, we built the first pediatric respite house in New York State called Casey’s Place for children with developmental disabilities and complex medical needs. Today, we are the only parent-directed organization in our community that serves children and adults. We are one of the first organizations to offer Self-Determination services and to become an Agency with Choice. Our goal is to assist individuals with developmental disabilities become a part of the community and to provide support to their families.