Action, independence, and impact are just a few words that define CFS’ P.A.G.E.S. advocacy efforts — and the powerful work of its Self Starters group, made up of CFS participants like Jackie, Jeff, Kasheena, and Oscar.
P.A.G.E.S. is one of three self-advocacy groups supported by CFS. Focused on political engagement, education, and community action, the group empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to speak up, organize, and directly influence the systems that shape their lives. P.A.G.E.S. champions person-centered services, disability rights-based projects, and meaningful participation in government processes.
This work reflects the heart of CFS’ mission to ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the guidance, support, and opportunities they need to live the lives they choose — with independence, dignity, and belonging.
Advocacy is one of the strongest tools to make that mission real.
In November 2025, four Self Starters — extraordinary disability rights advocates and CFS participants — Jackie, Jeff, Kasheena, and Oscar — presented at the Annual Self-Advocacy Conference in Albany. Speaking on behalf of P.A.G.E.S., they shared their journey with advocacy, supported decision-making, and self-direction — and the progress they’ve made toward independent living and meaningful change.
Jeff and Jackie walked the audience through P.A.G.E.S.’ beginnings, when advocates first came together to learn effective strategies, understand how government decisions are made, and build the foundation for long-term civic engagement.
They emphasized the three pillars of their work at P.A.G.E.S.:
- Formation of the Civic Engagement Group: Creating a space where self-advocates learn, collaborate, and set shared goals.
- Internal and External Advocacy: From promoting innovation and positive change within CFS to elevating disability rights at the city and state levels in New Jersey and New York.
- Policy and Systems Impact: Ensuring that changes made today improve the lives of people with disabilities and their communities for years to come.
A Year of Powerful Advocacy
During their Albany presentation, the group shared highlights from a busy year of action — including participation in rallies in Washington, D.C., and Albany, where members:
- Called for increased salaries for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)
- Emphasized Medicaid’s essential role in sustaining disability services
- Met with several lawmakers, including Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, Senator Liz Krueger, Senator Patricia Fahy, Assembly Member Tony Simone, and others
Oscar also shared insight from his film, My Independent Life, which explores how self-direction and supported decision-making help people with disabilities build autonomy, set goals, and chart their own life paths. His film beautifully illustrates how advocacy, creativity, and self-determination embody CFS’ mission — and help strengthen disability rights and self-directed services.
As importantly, Jackie, Jeff, Kasheena, and Oscar delivered a clear message:
There is power in numbers — and disability voices can and must be heard.
Recognition & Momentum
Their incredible dedication was recognized this year when the P.A.G.E.S. Self Starters Group was honored as the 2025 Self-Advocacy Group at the SANYS Conferences in Long Island and Westchester, NY — a testament to what happens when person-centered values and advocacy come together.
Looking ahead, the group announced their next major initiative, “Flood the Legislators,” a coordinated lobbying effort that will involve mass mailing CFS’ Advocacy Leave-Behind document to elected officials.
They also plan upcoming meetings with public officials, including Assembly Member Michael Benedetto (Bronx) and Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (Staten Island).
Throughout 2025, P.A.G.E.S. has led a packed advocacy calendar — including:
- Lobby Day preparation workshops
- Statewide advocacy forums
- Rallies in Albany and Trenton
- Legislative breakfasts across NYC’s five boroughs
- Multiple virtual meetings with policymakers
The group closed their recent presentation with their simple but powerful message:
OUR VOICE MATTERS!
When we raise our voices together, we create change. Together, we can help shape policy, strengthen services, and build a future where every person has the support they need to live a meaningful, independent life.
P.A.G.E.S. Is Just Getting Started — and You Can Join!
Learn more about P.A.G.E.S. events at www.cfsny.org/events
Explore advocacy tools on CFS’ Advocacy Center Page
or contact our support staff at InnovativeTeam@cfsny.org
