Policy & Advocacy

Governor Kathy Hochul disappointingly only included a 2.5% COLA in her executive budget proposal released in February. Thanks to distinguished lawmakers, both houses of the New York State Legislature included the full 8.5% COLA in their budget proposal. The executive branch and legislators will now negotiate a final budget, due on April 1st.

While Governor Hochul’s budget is positive in some capacities, it simply does not fully respect the direct care workers and service providers who support more than 85 percent of the state’s I/DD population.

The Arc of the United States, AHRC New York City’s national partner for disability advocacy, held its first in-person National Convention since 2019.

Monika and Barbara’s story is one of many who individually and as a family unit are impacted by the lack of comprehensive sexuality education in the disability community.

AHRC NYC leadership, staff, & families joined with advocates from across the country to support disability rights as part of the 2022 Disability Policy Seminar in Washington D.C

In September, people with disabilities and their families visited the hallowed grounds of Willowbrook to call on Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York State lawmakers to stave off cuts to service providers and I/DD services.

The 2016 Self-Advocacy Association of New York State Self-Advocacy Conference was the high point in a year of amazing self-advocacy.

Paul Scherzinger is speaking up about transportation issues for people with mobility impairments. He would like to create an accessible rating system to be used by people with disabilities as they travel throughout New York City.