New York State Rehabilitation Association

2012 Rehabilitation Summit attendees

NYSRA’s current Mission is to advocate and support communities and systems that effectively foster opportunity, independence, inclusion, employment and life enrichment for people with disabilities.

NYSRA’s roots extend back to 1976 and the eventual combining of the New York State Association of Sheltered Workshops and Homebound Industries (agencies serving people with different disabilities) and the Association of Rehabilitation Centers. The newly merged organization was known as the NYS Chapter of the International Association of Rehabilitation Facilities. In time, the organization became known as the NYS Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (NYSARF) and, after the birth of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Institute (RRTI) in 1993, the trade association today known as NYSRA was incorporated in 1995.

For more than 30 years NYSRA has worked with and for individuals with disabilities, meeting challenges of fiscal uncertainties to ensure opportunities for all. Our main themes for 2010 are Budget and Fiscal Issues, Center-Based Employment and Compliance Issues coupled with our priorities for Developmental Disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation and Recovery Services/Mental Health.

As a leader in advocacy for people with disabilities and not-for-profit providers who serve them, the shaping of legislation and policy are critical components of our goals. Our formal Values Statement includes an embracing of diversity and a pro-active role in finding innovative pathways for positive change that value and benefit individuals with disabilities.

Our efforts to advocate as a collaborator among all stakeholders will continue to guide us as we face the challenges of the future with an eye toward fulfilling our mission.