January 04, 2024 | Press Release.pdf

Community Options Secures $7.5 million Grant to Enhance Employment Opportunities for New Yorkers with Disabilities

NEW YORK, NY – Community Options, a leading national nonprofit organization supporting people with disabilities, is pleased to announce a $7.5 million grant from the New York State Education Department’s Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR). This five-year grant will enable Community Options to expand its employment services and support thousands of people with disabilities across New York State.

Community Options maintains New York offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Syracuse, and Binghamton. Recognizing the diverse employment landscape and unique challenges faced by people with disabilities in different regions, Community Options will establish strategic partnerships with businesses and school districts based on local needs.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with ACCES-VR and make a profound impact on the lives of people with disabilities,” said Robert Stack, Community Options President and CEO. “Along with our existing collaborations with the NBA Foundation and Yankee Stadium, we hope to place nearly 10,000 people with disabilities in competitive employment over the next five years.”

According to a recent report by the New York State Comptroller’s office, the unemployment rate for New Yorkers with disabilities lags behind the national average. While the unemployment rate surged in 2020 for people with disabilities across the country, the national rate dropped to 8.2% while New York remains at 11.9%, highlighting the need for services to address this disparity. The grant aims to directly confront these disparities by enhancing various programs to support both youths and adults with disabilities. Community Options looks forward to collaborating with ACCES-VR, local businesses, and community stakeholders in each region to create inclusive job opportunities that empower individuals with disabilities statewide.

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About Community Options, Inc.:

For over 30 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment supports for people with disabilities – supporting thousands of people from over 50 offices across 12 states. Community Options provides advocacy assistance to empower people with disabilities because all people – regardless of ability level – should live and work in the community with dignity, choice and self-determination. For more information please visit our website: www.comop.org and follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.