Michael S. Porter
Eric C. Nordby
Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State (CP State) serves as a statewide leadership and advocacy organization coordinating support for individuals with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities throughout New York. Rather than providing direct services, CP State functions as a hub organization that connects families to a network of local affiliate organizations across the state.
The organization focuses on facilitating communication and resource-sharing between groups and individuals interested in advocacy, while providing statewide leadership and influencing governmental policy-making that affects people with cerebral palsy and related disabilities. CP State is part of the United Cerebral Palsy national network and maintains strong partnerships with New York State agencies including the Education Department and Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.
Best For: Families seeking statewide advocacy support, policy engagement, educational guidance on disability rights, and connections to local service providers throughout New York.
Strengths & Limitations
| Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Statewide Network: Coordinates local affiliate organizations across all of New York, providing broad geographic coverage and localized support options | Indirect Service Model: Functions primarily as a coordinating body rather than direct service provider; families must connect with local affiliates for most hands-on support |
| Advocacy Expertise: Established track record of disability rights advocacy and active involvement in state-level policy affecting people with cerebral palsy | Variable Service Quality: Services and availability differ significantly by local affiliate; what you receive depends on which affiliate serves your area |
| Strong Partnerships: Well-integrated with state disability infrastructure through partnerships with OPWDD, State Education Department, and InterAgency Council | Limited Public Information: Many program details, hours, and specific service offerings require direct contact to learn more |
| Comprehensive Coordination: Connects families to diverse services including early intervention guidance, IEP/504 support, therapy navigation, and peer support groups | Additional Navigation Required: Accessing services involves an extra step of being referred to and then engaging with a separate local affiliate organization |
| Established Organization: Long history serving the CP community with significant funding ($5.8 million organizational revenue) and extensive community connections |
Services & Support
What CP State Coordinates
Advocacy & Policy
- Disability rights advocacy at the state level
- Policy involvement and governmental influence
- School representation support
Professional Guidance
- Care coordination
- Therapy navigation
- Early Intervention guidance
- IEP/504 support
Educational Resources
- Workshops and seminars
- Written guides
- Online resources
Community Connection
- Peer support groups (through affiliates)
- Resource development
- Communication between local affiliates
Locations & Contact
Office Locations
Primary Office (Headquarters) 3 Cedar Street Extension, Suite 2
Cohoes, NY 12047
Manhattan Office 330 West 34th Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Contact Information
Phone: (518) 436-0178 or (518) 235-1880
Email: info@cpstate.org
Website: www.cpstate.org
Who Can Access Services
Age Range: All ages, from children through adults
Geographic Area: Statewide across New York; local affiliates provide services in specific regions
Cost: Generally free for advocacy and coordination services; fees vary by individual affiliate offerings
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible main office; virtual services available
How to Get Started
- Contact CP State headquarters by phone at (518) 436-0178 or (518) 235-1880
- Email info@cpstate.org with your inquiry and location
- Request a referral to the local affiliate serving your area
- Contact the local affiliate directly for specific services
- Work with the affiliate to determine eligibility and begin enrollment
Bottom Line
CP State is best suited for families who need statewide advocacy support and connection to local services rather than those seeking immediate, direct support. The organization’s strength lies in its ability to navigate state-level policy, provide educational resources about disability rights, and connect families to appropriate local affiliates throughout New York. However, families should understand that accessing hands-on services requires working through a local affiliate, which adds a layer of navigation to the process. If you’re looking for a statewide advocate and coordinator to help you access the right local resources, CP State provides valuable infrastructure and connections within New York’s cerebral palsy support network.