The Center for Family Support (CFS) would like to recognize Tim Elliott for his service to our country. Tim is the founding member of the Self-Starters Advocacy Group at CFS. He continues to be a driving force in the foundation of all our Self-Advocacy programs. He has been teaching SANYU courses for the past 7 years to the advocates at CFS. These courses teach valuable tools for being a strong self-advocate. Tim also provides an array of workshops for advocates, staff, and families. We are very grateful for the knowledge and guidance he provides to our agency. He truly makes an impact with all he does.
Tim served in the US Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician. Tim became disabled in April of 1991 from Spinal Meningitis, which paralyzed him from the shoulders down. He felt that life was over, until he met a lady at an Adult Day Center who mentored him and got him involved with Self-Advocacy.
He was a HUD Housing Counselor for the Office of Housing Initiatives & Supports for OPWDD, where he taught 1st Time Homebuyer classes and did credit and budget counseling. He served for two years as a member and Team Leader of Self-Advocacy AmeriCorps and worked as a Project Specialist Organizer for the Self-Advocacy Association of NYS (SANYS), teaching Medicaid Buy-In, Self-Determination, Circle of Support and Person-Centered Planning. He currently works part time as a Grass Roots Field Assistant for SANYS. He has been with the Self-Advocacy Association since 2003
Tim has worked as a Start Up and Support Broker for OPWDD in Self-Determination, assisting individuals with developmental disabilities to develop life plans.
He was a Licensed Real Estate Agent for 13 years and has worked as a Mortgage Consultant for 11 years. Tim is an accomplished public speaker who uses his own experience as a person with a disability to help others understand the issues and challenges people face, and the benefits and work incentives available to support them.
