by Erin Vallely Dear ATI Community,  With mixed emotions, I’m writing to let you know that my time at Access To Independence has come to a close. I am incredibly grateful to the Cortland community and am proud of everything the advocacy department has achieved over the last four years.  Thank you for the collaboration, support, and for being such a fantastic…

by Erin Vallely, Advocacy Specialist NOTE: THE SUGGESTIONS IN THIS GUIDE ARE ONLY IDEAS TO CONSIDER AND ATI DOES NOT PROFIT OFF ANY RESULTING PURCHASES  For many individuals, gift giving to those with disabilities and chronic illnesses can be a challenge because limitations can keep people from engaging in activities they used to enjoy or want to try.  People facing mobility,…

by Erin Vallely While the November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, support is on pause until the government shutdown ends or a court orders the USDA to use contingency funds, there have also been recent changes to the program that are going to go into effect soon.  The One Big…

by Erin Vallely On September 22nd, 2025, President Trump and other high-ranking administration officials made misleading and harmful statements about autism.  President Trump and other administration staff reinforced the false ideas that vaccines, and acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, are significant contributing factors to the rise in autism diagnoses rates.  As thorough scientific studies have…

by Erin Vallely Everyone in the United States must follow, and is protected by, federal laws.  Federal laws are rules that apply to every citizen in the United States.  No citizen can be denied their rights.  Additionally, each state in the United States also has its own government and laws.  New York State has its own…

by Erin Vallely Historically, it is difficult for disabled individuals to prove they have been discriminated against and receive financial compensation as part of a lawsuit.  This is especially true for students with disabilities in the school system.  However, on June 12th, 2025, the United States Supreme Court made it easier for families to sue…

by Erin Vallely On May 9th, 2025 Governor Hochul signed the 2026 New York State budget into law after the state assembly and senate agreed to the plan.  The budget agreement was 5 weeks late due to disagreements between the governor, state assembly, and state senate.  The budget covers all areas of state finance, and…

by Erin Vallely, Advocacy Specialist Over the last few weeks, Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s comments about Autism and his concerns about the increased rates of diagnosis have gotten a lot of attention.  While Kennedy’s interest in autism could be positive, his comments regarding the rise in autism diagnoses and…

by Erin Vallely On March 20th, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14242 entitled “Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities.” An executive order is a rule the President makes that everyone in the government must follow. This executive order directs the Secretary of Education to do as much as she can within…

by Erin Vallely Since Donald Trump has taken over the presidency from Joe Biden, the amount of power the president has become a popular question. The President, also called the Executive branch of government, is responsible for enforcing laws written and passed by the Legislative branch of government, which is made up of the Senate…