In New York State Advocate for investment in sustainable disability services specifically:
–A proposed Direct Support Wage Enhancement (DSWE) as part of the New York State Budget to ensure agencies can raise the hourly rate of pay for direct care staff.
–An 8.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for disability providers to reduce financial pressures, from utilities to mandated fringe benefits.
At the Federal Level Sign the Petition: The Time to Invest in the Care Infrastructure Is NOW!
Life in the community matters for people with disabilities, and Medicaid home and community-based services help make that possible. But a lack of funding for these services and other critical care needs has created a care crisis that’s limiting the lives of millions of Americans.
–Funding for programs that allow people with disabilities to live at home in their communities, without having to wait years to get the supports they need.
–#PaidLeaveForAll so workers don’t have to risk losing their jobs when taking time off to care for a loved one.
–Better pay and benefits for direct care workers, who perform a critical job but do not earn a living wage.
Your Review Requested for Independent Living Letters of Support (FOFILLS). By February 28, 2023, send your thoughts to housing.initiatives@opwdd.ny.gov on the agency’s draft Request for Applications for the OPWDD program, “Funding Opportunity for Independent Living Letters of Support (FOFILLS).” By doing so, you’re assisting the OPWDD to better review long-term funding requests for housing proposals excluding state or NYC capital funding.
Workforce Advocacy. Federal and state advocacy is underway addressing the recruitment and retention crisis facing providers of IDD supports and services. The Arc New York seeks support for the Better Care Better Jobs Act, the establishment of a Direct Support Professional (DSP) Standard Occupational Classification, and grant opportunities for the recruitment, retention and advancement of DSPs. Learn more.
Sign the petition for an NADSP SOC.Continue to call for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) to ensure necessary data is collected to justify reimbursement rates and compensation for DSPs.
