Sample Self Advocate Letter

Sample Self Advocate Letter

Governor-Elect Andrew M. Cuomo
Office of the Attorney General
The Capitol
Albany, N.Y. 12224-0341

Re: Services for People with Developmental Disabilities

Dear Governor-Elect Cuomo:  

I am writing to you as a self-advocate who relies on services provided by a voluntary agency under the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).  I urge you to preserve OPWDD and the critical supports that allow me to live a productive and meaningful life and have membership in my community.  These services have dramatically improved my life and have made New York State the nation’s leader for services for people like me who have developmental disabilities. 

For years, self-advocates and their families and friends fought to create OPWDD.  When we succeeded, our dream of living valued lives and receiving the appropriate supports was finally realized.  We fear that if OPWDD were eliminated or undermined, our voice will not be heard. 

OPWDD services have already been cut to the bone and cannot withstand additional substantial cuts.  We understand that efficiencies throughout State government must be attained.  However, achieving efficiencies must be done in partnership with self-advocates, our families, friends and service providers.  Only that approach can provide the expertise and experience necessary to successfully tackle this difficult task.  Indiscriminate cuts, including across the board cuts will have a significant negative impact on the quality of our lives.

On behalf of the 130,000 people with developmental disabilities receiving services and their family members and friends, as well as those who will need services in the future, I ask that you preserve the system that supports  and enhances our lives and that must be relied on to guide us through these challenging times. 

Sincerely,