Hello Self-Advocates, Families and Supporters, The Long Island Region of the Self Advocacy Association of NYS (SANYS) is excited to inform you that you have been selected to be part of an information-gathering process designed to help us understand the strengths and identify the challenges of the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities’ (OPWDD) Self Direction Services. A major responsibility of the Self Advocacy Association of NYS (SANYS) is to stay connected with people and help ensure that all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) in NYS have the opportunity to lead lives as independent and self-determined as they can. For many individuals and families, this is achieved through self-direction. Below is the link to a brief survey we put together to continue this statewide information-gathering process. As an individual, or family member in the Long Island Region with an active self-direction plan and budget, we are asking you to use this survey to share your experiences in developing and implementing your self-direction services. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/52C3H57 (Suffolk County Residents) https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5WMLZ7Y (Nassau County Residents) Please copy this link into your internet browser and hit enter. This will upload the survey. When you have finished answering the survey questions, just click DONE and your answers will automatically be sent to our office. If you are not able to access this survey by computer but would still like the opportunity to fill one out, please call me at 631-434-6936 and we will mail you a copy of the survey. Once you fill it out, you can mail the survey back to my office at the address below. All surveys must be completed and returned by Friday, January 19, 2018. If you have any questions about the survey, please don’t hesitate to call me. THANK YOU in advance for taking the time to share your valuable input with us. Your participation in this information-gathering process will help us continue our work with OPWDD to ensure quality supports and services for individuals with ID/DD across New York State. Bridget Cariello Supervising Coordinator SANYS Management Team Self-Advocacy Association NYS Office: 631-434-6936 Mobile: 631-335-9142 bcariello@sanys.org