Kinexion at the 2025 Joint Legislative & Advocacy Forum: Advancing Advocacy for People with Disabilities
By: Amaya Westbay, Marketing and Public Relations Associate | Kinexion, Inc.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
In February 2025, Kinexion was proud to participate in the 2025 Joint Legislative & Advocacy Forum held at the Empire Plaza in Albany, NY. This annual forum, hosted by NYAII (New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation), The Arc NY, IACNY (Inter Agency Counsel NY) and DDAWNY (The Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York), provides essential access to information regarding the 2025-26 Executive Budget proposal, upcoming legislation and valuable advocacy strategies. More importantly, it is a platform where advocates, service providers and community leaders can come together to engage with state lawmakers, ensuring that the voices of those we support are heard.
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Pictured from left to right: Shannon Mazza, IGHL; Lisa Meyer Fertal, IGHL; Linda Gangi, IGHL; Mary Beth Lichtneger, Kinexion; Matthew Kuriloff, EEDA; Takia Harris, EEDA; Shaunice Faines, EEDA. |
At Kinexion, we understand the importance of advocating for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and our participation in this forum was an opportunity to take action on behalf of those we support. Our team was represented by:
- Mary Beth Lichtneger, Chief Operating Officer, Kinexion
- Lisa Meyer Fertal, Executive Director, IGHL
- Robert (Bob) Policastro, Executive Director, Angela’s House
- Linda Gangi, Associate Executive Director, IGHL
- Matthew Kuriloff, Associate Executive Director, EEDA
- Shaunice Faines, Senior Residential Manager, EEDA
- Takia Harris, Senior Residential Manager, EEDA
- Shannon Mazza, Director of Day Program Services, IGHL
These dedicated leaders met with key lawmakers from districts where Kinexion’s affiliate agencies operate to discuss the future of services and legislation impacting people living with disabilities in New York State. Their presence at the forum underscores Kinexion’s ongoing commitment to creating positive change for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and ensuring their needs are prioritized in state policy.
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Kinexion Network representatives pictured with Senator Dean Murray |
Kinexion Network representatives pictured with Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio |
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Kinexion Network representatives pictured with Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio |
Kinexion Network representatives pictured with Senator Anthony Palumbo |
Kinexion Network representatives had the opportunity to meet with Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (@jodiforny), Senator Anthony Palumbo (@senatoranthonypalumbo), and Senator Dean Murray (@senatordeanmurray)—lawmakers who represent districts where Kinexion affiliate agencies operate. These meetings were a crucial part of Kinexion’s advocacy efforts, as they allowed our team to present real-time concerns, share insights into the challenges our communities face and collaborate on practical solutions that can improve services and outcomes for people living with disabilities.
Key Advocacy Topics Discussed
At the forum, discussions centered around several critical issues, including:
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Funding for Services: Advocating for increased funding to ensure that organizations like Kinexion can continue providing quality care and services for people living with disabilities.
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Workforce Development: Addressing the need for policies and programs that attract and retain qualified professionals who are committed to supporting people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Equity and Access: Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or location, have access to the services they need to thrive.
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Legislative Action: Highlighting important upcoming legislation that can impact the lives of people living with disabilities and how advocacy plays a crucial role in shaping policies that affect them.
The Kinexion Network's Advocacy Efforts
Kinexion is committed to continuing our advocacy work, ensuring that the needs of people living with disabilities are heard and addressed at the state level. The 2025 Joint Legislative & Advocacy Forum was a significant moment in our ongoing effort to engage with lawmakers and advocate for meaningful change.
We are proud to stand with our partners at NYAII, the Arc NY, IACNY and DDAWNY as we work together to build a stronger, more inclusive New York for all. This event was just one of many steps Kinexion is taking to create a lasting impact on the lives of the individuals and families we support.
As we move forward, Kinexion encourages all those involved in the disability services community to remain active in advocacy efforts. Your voice matters and together, we can continue to push for a future where people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities are fully included and supported in every aspect of life.