Overview

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is committed to providing assistance and support to eligible families and individuals. OTDA recognizes that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) increases our agency's capacity to serve the public, which includes communities comprised of many different:

• Cultures
• Languages
• Abilities
• Backgrounds
• Traditions
• Experiences

Through the expansion of outreach and development of strategy, we are committed to leveraging DEIA to enhance our programs and services.

Executive Orders

The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) across all aspects of its operations. This work is guided by two Executive Orders:

• Executive Order 187: “Ensuring Diversity and Inclusion and Combatting Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace” (August 2018): Directs all State agencies to foster diverse and inclusive workplaces and to take meaningful action to prevent harassment and discrimination.
• Executive Order 31: “Committing New York State to Becoming a Model Employer for People with Disabilities” (July 2023): Issued by Governor Hochul, this order commits New York State to improving accessibility and employment opportunities for people with disabilities across all State agencies.

DEIA Mission

OTDA seeks to promote and celebrate the representation of the various cultures, voices, backgrounds, ideas, and talents of the citizens and communities that we serve in New York State.

DEIA Vision

OTDA is committed to building and leveraging an inclusive environment where all individuals seeking our program or services feel respected, valued, and treated fairly.

Contact Us

The OTDA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Office welcomes the opportunity to engage with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure that we can continue to best meet the needs of the diverse communities that we serve.

Questions related to OTDA's diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts should be directed to: otda.sm.DEIA@otda.ny.gov.