Joseph Pancari is an accomplished advocate for people with disabilities. As President & CEO of Constructive Partnerships Unlimited (CP Unlimited), he works hard to ensure that people with disabilities not only receive services that provide accessibility but also promote equity in all aspects of life.
Throughout his thirty-seven-year career, he has worked with several organizations and found his home at CP Unlimited where he has served as President & CEO since 2022, after joining the Agency in 2007.
Q: Can you share with our readers a little bit about your background and what inspired you to become an advocate?
A: I started out in college working towards a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology. When I realized that there wasn’t much out there for someone who had obtained a BA in psychology, a friend of mine suggested that I look into working as a direct care staff member at a group home. Instantly, I knew my friend was right when he said that it was fulfilling work because I instantly fell in love with it. I felt like I was really making a difference when I would help people who were living with severe communication issues, mental health issues, and those who were living with autism manage the obstacles that they faced. This newfound passion led me to do extensive research that, now, looking back, looks like common sense—that people get upset when they can’t communicate what their needs are. This was only the beginning, with much dedication and hard work I have held many important positions. Such as manager of the aforementioned home and a psychologist for another agency.
Now, thirty-seven years later, here I am as the CEO of CP Unlimited. An agency that started, 80 years ago, by families of loved ones with CP because back then there weren’t a lot of services offered to those living with disabilities. This agency has helped people with all levels of disabilities even those with complex medical issues. Over the last 80 years, we have served people with disabilities throughout the entire state of New York. This began as just advocating but in the late 1970s/ early 1980s, after a Staten Island institution was exposed and shut down for its inhumane treatment—we broke into two sectors and began delivering direct services such as transportation.
Q: What words of encouragement would you give to those of us living with a disability who may feel discouraged? What advice would you give them to begin advocating for themselves?
A: First off, I would say, ‘Never give up hope!’ Hope is a driving force for all of us, regardless of our abilities. I think the best way to start is to find what it is that you are passionate about and find communities that share that same interest. The more voices joined together, the more of an impact you can make. So, go out and advocate! Advocate! Advocate! That would be my words of advice for anyone who might be feeling discouraged.
I mean, here at CP Unlimited, we meet with decision makers on both a local and state level to ensure that their services stay intact and to show all that we are providing for those that take part in the services we provide. Many of whom advocate for themselves by making sure their voices are heard during elections both on the local and state levels, as well.
Q: Recently there has been talk of nine states looking into reversing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a Federal Law that ensures equitable treatment in all areas including: education, healthcare, and jobs. My question is what are you and the other members of CP Unlimited doing to ensure that this does not happen?
A: Luckily, we are in New York state, and we have a strong advocacy group that will fight against, basically, going backwards into institutional living. We have made tremendous strides to ensure that our participants have full access into their communities. We do this by meeting with advocates, taking trips to Albany, and attending rallies. We do this to send the message that regardless of our abilities, or disabilities, we deserve a place in this world because we all have a voice and can make a difference.
Q: Does CP Unlimited only serve people within NY or is it a national organization that has several chapters?
A: One of the reasons for our name change in 2019, when we dropped the New York State portion, is we have been in discussion with a group in Ohio who believe that we can truly make a difference and help strengthen the services needed for people with disabilities within their state. We have also put in an application to help those living with cognitive and developmental disabilities in the state of Connecticut, as well. So, to answer your question, we are really looking to expand. We know with our unique approach and staffing abilities that we can make a difference.
Q: Is there a specific area of Section 504 that those of you at CP Unlimited are fighting for the most?
A: Well, there is a law that we have been working on, for a few years now, that will help people with disabilities travel with dignity. This first came about when several of our participants faced obstacles when wanting to attend a rally in Albany. Two of the obstacles that stood out the most were those concerning people who use large wheelchairs and adults who were in need of privacy during times of taking care of their personal needs. Such as, tending to themselves or getting assisted in the bathroom. This prompted us to look into what several states already have which is an adult changing station in local bathrooms. It is really a low-cost addition to any existing public space. This being included in public bathrooms would help people with disabilities who may need help in that area have an easier time being involved in activities such as concerts, rallies, ballparks, etc.
Q: What advice would you give to a person who is not such a seasoned advocate as yourself but would like to go out and start advocating for themselves or those in their community?
A: There are many groups out there that you can join that are able to understand issues on a deeper level. Each of our boroughs has a DD Council that serves people with Developmental Disabilities. There are also national advocacy organizations joining with others. So, go out and advocate for yourself, understand what the issues that you are fighting for are, and make sure your voice is heard! To be honest, at first, I didn’t know how to do any of this but after joining parenting groups and really becoming educated about the issues it has strengthened me to become the advocate that I am today. So, once you take those steps then go out and “Advocate, Advocate, Advocate!”