Simcha Weinstein, a Brooklyn disability advocate, was recently appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul to serve on the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities, a federally mandated advisory body that helps shape policy, funding priorities and systems reform for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities and their families.
The appointment follows years of statewide advocacy centered on strengthening family voice in disability and mental health systems, confronting stigma and elevating the role of fathers in care planning and policy discussions. Weinstein, founder of the Jewish Autism Network, said the role represents a broader shift toward including lived experience in decision-making spaces where policy is developed and resources are allocated.
Weinstein’s advocacy journey began after his son was diagnosed with autism in early childhood. While early intervention services were available, he found that support systems became increasingly fragmented as his son entered adolescence.
“My appointment is a win for families who are used to being supported emotionally but rarely invited into real decision-making,” said Weinstein. “It brings the lived experience of families into rooms where policy is shaped.”
Developmental disability services and mental health care often operated separately, creating barriers for families navigating complex needs. He also observed that fathers were frequently treated as peripheral participants in their children’s care, rather than equal partners.
In 2021, Weinstein documented his family’s experience in an essay published by Tablet Magazine. The piece gained national attention, prompting outreach from families across the country who shared similar challenges. The response led to meetings with lawmakers in Albany and opportunities to testify on issues affecting children and families in the disability system. Coverage by The New York Times further amplified concerns about gaps in coordination and the need for systems-level reform.
Weinstein later launched the Dadvocating Podcast, a platform highlighting lived experience, family leadership and policy change through candid conversations. A recent episode featured Willow Baer, commissioner of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, who discussed the direction of disability services in New York and the importance of collaboration between families and providers.
In addition to his advocacy work, Weinstein began pursuing a master’s degree in mental health counseling last year, motivated by a desire to provide the type of culturally responsive care he believes many families struggle to find. His focus includes autism, family systems and the role faith-based communities can play in supporting neurodivergent individuals.
Weinstein also coordinates peer-led advocacy initiatives through Families Together in New York State and conducts statewide trainings for providers, parent leaders and peer professionals. His workshops emphasize father-inclusive practices, stigma reduction, family empowerment and culturally responsive engagement.
The Council on Developmental Disabilities is composed of approximately 30 gubernatorial appointees and meets three times a year to vote on state funding priorities and policy recommendations. In his new role, Weinstein plans to focus on father engagement in disability policy, the intersection of developmental disabilities and mental health services and ensuring that family voices are central to systems planning.
Weinstein is a rabbi, author and public speaker who also founded Chabad of Clinton Hill and Chabad at Pratt Institute, where he serves as director of alumni relations.
