Disability advocates urge lawmakers to boost pay for direct care workers

Mar 17, 2026

ALBANY — Hundreds of advocates rallied at the New York State Capitol last week, calling on lawmakers to include a 4% targeted inflationary increase and CareForce affordability initiatives for Direct Support Professionals in this year’s state budget.

The funding would provide additional support for the more than 130,000 New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities who rely on these services, said rally organizers, adding that advocates welcomed the inclusion of a 4% pay boost in both the Senate and Assembly one-house budget proposals.

Organized by New York Disability Advocates, a statewide coalition of more than 300 nonprofit providers supporting individuals with intellectual and development disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, Asperger’s syndrome and others, the rally brought together legislators, individuals and families impacted by disabilities, direct support professionals as well as nonprofit providers from across the state.

Advocates warned that rising inflation and national policy changes are placing growing strain on disability services, making it harder for nonprofit providers to sustain programs and maintain their workforce.

“New Yorkers with disabilities deserve to live and thrive in their communities, and we must strengthen the workforce that supports them every day,” said State Sen. Patricia Fahy, chair of the Senate Disabilities Committee. “Including a 4% targeted inflationary increase in this year’s state budget will help nonprofit providers keep pace with rising costs and sustain the critical workforce that people with disabilities depend on.”

“Direct support professionals suffer from low wages, burnout, and turnover that threatens the very care system we are seeking to stabilize,” Fahy added. “We must advance CareForce affordability initiatives that make it easier for direct support professionals to afford housing, childcare, and healthcare so they can continue serving our communities.”

“As both a legislator and a father of a child with a disability, I know how critical these services are for families across New York,” said Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara, chair of the Assembly Committee on People with Disabilities. “This budget is our opportunity to make sure providers have the resources they need and that the workforce supporting people with disabilities is strong and sustainable. When we invest in these services, we’re investing in dignity, independence, and opportunity for thousands of New Yorkers.”

Advocates said including a 4% targeted inflationary increase and CareForce affordability initiatives in the 2027 state budget would help nonprofit providers keep pace with rising costs and stabilize the Direct Support Professional workforce that supports more than 130,000 New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities statewide.

To address these challenges, NYDA is urging state leaders to include the following priorities in the 2027 state budget:

• 4% targeted inflationary increase for nonprofit disability providers;
• The restorations of Care Coordination Organizations as eligible programs to preserving person-centered planning, service navigation, and coordination of medical and behavioral healthcare for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
• A CareForce affordable housing lottery preference;
• An employer-assisted housing matching grant program and other homeownership incentives;
• Enhancement of the New York Child and Dependent Care Credit; and

Restoration of the state Office of People With Developmental Disabilities healthcare enhancement.