Interagency Coordinating Council (IAC) Inaugural Meeting

Date
Apr 21, 2026
Time
11:00 am
04:00 pm
Venue Location
NYS Justice Center, 401 State St., Schenectady, NY

Agenda

  1. 11:00-11:30 Welcome: Christopher Woodfill, Executive Director
  • Accessibility check
  • Roll call
  • Previous meeting minutes approval (none)
  • Agenda approval
  • Housekeeping
    • Exits
    • Bathrooms
    • Breaks
    • Public meeting/recording/streaming
    • Review the back of name tents for meeting etiquette reminders
  • Introduction and Goals of the IAC (Executive Law Section 559)
    • 3 distinct communities
    • 3 common barriers
  • Access to Language (what)
  • Access to Communication (how)
  • Access to Information (why)
  • Brief welcome remarks from Chief Disability Officer Kim Hill Ridley and the NYS Justice Center’s Acting Commissioner, Maria Lisi-Murray
  1. 11:30-12:15: Introduction of Members: Three minutes each person time limit
    • State Agencies designees - Introduce yourself, agency, title and how your agency supports the DDBHH communities.
    • Community members and Experts - Introduce yourself, your role on the IAC and what perspective/contributions you bring to the Council.
  2. 12:15-1:00: Language Deprivation Presentation (First of two):
    • 12:15-12:45 Language Deprivation for DDBHH children and lifetime impact– Dr. Wyatte Hall
    • 12:45-1:00 Questions and Answers session
  3. 1:00-1:45: Lunch break
  4. 1:45-2:30: Hands and Voices Presentation (Second of two):
    • 1:45-2:15 NY Hands and Voices, Gillian Barnard, President. Presentation on parental choice, language acquisition, and peer to peer parental/family support and mentoring.
    • 2:15-2:30 Questions and Answers session
  5. 2:30-3:15 Roles and Expectations of Council Members
    • In-Depth Review of Executive Law Section 559
    • Council Member Roles and Expectations
      1. Attend council meetings three times per year in person.
      2. Contribute to council work (Advocacy, Subcommittee, Presentations, Annual Report and more) according to your availability and ability.
      3. Active participation during council, subcommittee and one on one (with DDBHH Office) meetings
  6. 3:15-3:45 Public Comment
    • Speakers have a three minute limit.
    • In-person speakers will go first in order of sign ins.
    • Submitted video and written comments will be shared.
    • Can send video and written comments to [email protected] if time runs out.
  7. 3:45-4:00 Wrap up: Christopher Woodfill, Executive Director
    • Scheduling of July 7th and September meetings
    • Accessibility feedback for subsequent meetings
    • Topic feedback
    • Any other feedback
    • Meeting adjournment