Fighting to Make New Yorkers with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities a Priority

New York’s I/DD community needs investments to save the state’s care service system that supports thousands of New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 

New York Disability Advocates (NYDA) is a statewide coalition of more than 300 non-profit organizations providing vital services and support to more than 130,000 New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Across the state, these organizations provide comprehensive and individualized services and programs that support people with developmental disabilities in all areas of their lives—from physical and behavioral health services, to cooking and feeding, to creating meaningful employment opportunities

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis exposed the vulnerabilities of this essential system of care and had a devastating effect on individuals with I/DD, who are at increased risk of contracting and suffering serious complications from the coronavirus. Now, this system is on the verge of crumbling as a result of looming budget cuts, chronic underfunding, and the impacts of the pandemic.

90% of the sector’s funding comes from the state government. Therefore, to sustain the system long-term and allow organizations to continue to provide lifelong support and care, New York State must:

Tell the Legislature to Support the Disability Community in their One-House Budget Bills

Be one of our first advocates – act now!

Click below for our SFY 2026-27 Budget Priority Asks!
SFY 2026-27 BUDGET PRIORITIES

 

TELL THE LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR TO INVEST IN NEW YORKERS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.

#InvestInMe #InvestInUs

 ❤️ THE HEART OF THE MATTER

The cost of living has skyrocketed, but the state funding used to support people with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD), staff and agencies has not.

  • Prices are Up: The cost of basics like gas and groceries has risen by 23.7% and minimum wage has increased by 26.5% over the last five years.
  • Funding is Lagging Behind: The funding to pay for the Supports and Services for people with IDD has only increased by 15.8% in that same time.

Therefore, we are asking the Legislature and the Governor to include the following simple investments in the final New York State Budget to stabilize vital IDD supports and services:

    • Increase Medicaid reimbursement rates to match inflation – 2.7% Targeted Inflationary adjustment & include CCOs
    • Restore funding for the OPWDD Healthcare Enhancement Program
    • Include Affordable housing initiatives – S.8676 (Fahy), S.8672 (Fahy) & S.8675 (Fahy)
    • Increase New York State Child and Dependent Care Credit – Accept Revenue Bill Part A

This investment is crucial to the viability of not-for-profit providers. Over 90% of provider organizations’ funds come from Medicaid. New York State determines the funding levels each year and, for the past decade, providers consistently have had to do more with less.

 

The impacts of underfunding are severe.

Program Reductions

Facility Closures

Staffing Crisis

The I/DD service system is a critical component of New York’s health care system and has an outsized positive impact on the lives of New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and the communities it serves.

THE I/DD CARE SERVICES SECTOR:

Provides High-Quality Care

Supports more than 130,000 people with disabilities and fosters independence, supports families and prioritizes inclusion

Creates Jobs

Employs more than 120,000 New Yorkers, mostly women and minorities

Stimulates Economies

The I/DD service sector is frequently one of the largest area employers, driving increased economic activity in communities

Provides Community Support

Throughout New York, 427 nonprofit disability service providers, including the 330 that NYDA represents, provide support to people with disabilities in every county of the state

New York State has a legal and ethical obligation to provide essential services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tell state lawmakers to do the right thing and prioritize equitable access to care for New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Tweet Your Support

Join the effort to make New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities a priority! Send a message to the State to save this system of care.

Tweet #IDDPriority