Throughout our 75-year history, advocacy has always mattered at AHRC New York City. Founded by families that fought for the creation of services and supports for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and other disabilities, and still governed by family members, these advocacy efforts have endured. We continuously fight for greater access and opportunity! Join us!
We will keep you updated on advocacy matters in the weeks and months ahead that will impact people with IDD and their families, and actions you may choose to take to make sure they receive the services they need. This is NOT a partisan effort. Whether you identify as a Republican, Democrat, or Independent, this is about the needs of people with IDD and how to best serve them.
Most of the services provided to people with IDD and other disabilities are paid for by government funds. If you have someone in your life with an IDD that receives services, you must advocate on their behalf. Please read this and all future issues of Advocacy Matters.
Medicaid Matters: What This Critical Program Supports
Medicaid funds:
- Nearly all services from OPWDD providers like AHRC NYC – including Day Programs, Supported Employment, Clinical Services, Residential Services, Community Habilitation, and Camping, to list a few.
- 65% of NYC Early Intervention services for infants and toddlers with suspected disabilities
- Preschool and school-age mandated related services in the school system
- Healthcare for children and adults with disabilities
- Therapies and medical equipment
- Long-term services and supports
Major Changes to Medicaid are Being Considered by Congress–And They Will Be Bad for People with IDD and Other Disabilities
Congress decides on these changes annually when the federal budget is approved. These changes then greatly impact state budgets, as Medicaid is a federal/state partnership. All the changes being proposed amount to cuts, no matter how they are described. The proposed changes being discussed will devastate the system of services created over the last 50 years and will reduce or eliminate services to many of the people and families that currently depend on them.
Whether Medicaid appropriations are slashed; if work requirements are introduced to qualify for services; if block grants or per capita caps for states are introduced; or federal matching rates are changed, the results will be the same: A REDUCTION IN SERVICES TO THE MOST VULNERABLE CITIZENS, INCLUDING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.
How You Can Advocate TODAY
If there is someone in your life with IDD and other disabilities, it is important that you make personal contact with your elected officials and let them know you are a voting constituent and you have a loved one with IDD who has needs! This must be a nonpartisan effort. All of our elected officials – Democratic, Republican, or Independent – need to understand the needs of the population we serve. That includes state, city, and federal elected officials.
Resources for you to reach out to your legislator:
- Find your Federal representative
- Find your NYS Assembly member
- Find your NYS Senator
- Contact the Governor’s office
- Tell Congress: Medicaid Is a Lifeline for People With Disabilities
- Preserve I/DD Services: Tell Congress to Protect Medicaid
A Message Template for Your Use
An example of message you can send to your representative is:
Dear [Representative’s Name],
I am writing today to ask you to support [name of bill, program, or issue you want them to address, i.e. Medicaid]
This issue is important to me because [reason why it matters to you–GET PERSONAL!]
Please take action on this issue by [describe what you would like them to do, i.e. “vote for this bill” or “support this program”].
Your support will [explain how it will help you and your family].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
Stay Informed: Important News Items
Department of Education Helps Students With Disabilities. Don’t Let It Disappear
This piece by Katy Neas, CEO of our national partner The Arc, explains how critical the Dept. of Education is to our families and our country.
Texas v. Becerra: What it is and How You Can Help Stop the Attack on Section 504
An explainer about the active lawsuit Texas vs. Becerra, how it can affect nationwide disability services, and what you can do to help.
Job Training Exists for Students With Disabilities. Many Never Get It.
NYT: “…hundreds of thousands of students with disabilities who are eligible for similar assistance do not receive it. The federal and state governments spend about half a billion dollars each year for such services, but most parents — and even some school officials — don’t even know the program exists.”
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