About

Disabled Persons Action Organization (DPAO) was founded in 1974 and incorporated in 1976 by Joseph L. Rich, then a WWNY Radio and TV anchor, who began the not-for-profit organization part-time from his home. DPAO is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to providing quality, effective, and individualized services for developmentally disabled children and adults in Jefferson and Lewis Counties. Its mission is to help families cope with the challenges of caring for their disabled loved ones. Today, DPAO serves over 500 children, adults, and their families, and is the region’s primary provider of overnight and hourly respite services for individuals with developmental disabilities living at home.

In the early years, with no state funding available, Mr. Rich began organizing concerts as a volunteer to raise funds to meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The success of these events led to the establishment of a Summer Concert Series. Not long after, the State Office of Mental Retardation (now the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) agreed to match DPAO’s fundraising efforts, and later fully funded many of its programs—though only for a set number of individuals. Concert fundraising continued to cover additional needs. While public funding has grown over time, the concerts remain vital, supplementing special needs programs, supporting a safe and healthy environment for those served, and contributing over one million dollars annually to the Northern New York economy.

Over the last five decades, DPAO has experienced tremendous growth, now employing more than 200 full- and part-time staff. Volunteers play an important role in many programs and fundraising events, helping DPAO fulfill its mission and strengthen the quality of life in the region.