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Home >> Community Resources >> Legislative Issues
Sample Parent LetterPlease personalize this letter and send to your legislators today!
Re: Services for People with Developmental Disabilities
Dear Governor-Elect Cuomo: I am writing to you as a parent of a child with developmental disabilities to urge you to preserve the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the critical services that my child and others with developmental disabilities rely on twenty four - hours a day. These services have dramatically improved the lives of our family members and have made New York State the nation’s leader for services for people with developmental disabilities.
New York State achieved this prominence three decades ago when parents finally succeeded in creating OPWDD to give their children’s unique needs the attention they deserved. OPWDD has since proven indispensible, giving our children a “voice” and providing resources to the State to improve their lives. However, now we families fear that if OPWDD is combined with other agencies the “voice” of our children will be drowned out and their complex needs will go unmet. If this happens decades of progress will be lost.
Additionally, OPWDD services have already been cut to the bone and cannot withstand additional substantial cuts. Nevertheless, we understand that efficiencies throughout State funded programs are imperative in the face of enormous fiscal challenges. However, because my child and others with developmental disabilities rely on OPWDD’s services, it is imperative that any efficiencies affecting them be taken by OPWDD in close collaboration with parents, family members and providers. Only that approach can provide the expertise and experience necessary to undertake this extremely delicate task in a safe and responsible manner, especially given the vulnerable individuals whose health and safety are at stake. We must not enact indiscriminate cuts, including across the board cuts.
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, we ask that you preserve the system that sustains and enhances their lives and must be relied on during the very challenging period ahead.
Sincerely,
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