Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced he helped pass a package of bills aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities living in New York State, including veterans. Of the package, two main bills resonated of particular importance for Central New York families, noted Stirpe.

The first would create an advocacy program for individuals with developmental disabilities who receive services through a managed care organization, ensuring they are advised of their rights, provided with useful information and legal protection if needed (A.6962). The second bill would establish the New York State Interagency Coordinating Council for Service-Disabled Veterans, which would work to better identify the needs of our service-disabled veterans and efficiently match these needs with appropriate state resources (A.6213-A).

“As a step-parent to a child with disabilities, I’ve been there to see the roadblocks that the disabled community deals with; it’s messy, frustrating and, too often, completely unnecessary,” Assemblyman Stirpe said. “These bills provide the link between the services that New York already provides and those who need it. Doing so helps make sure we’re helping as many people with disabilities as possible and it allows us to clear some of the hassle that’s been involved with these services.”

Assemblyman Stirpe has a long history of advocating for individuals with disabilities, serving on the board of directors of Familycapped, now Advocates Inc., which was formed to expand programs for handicapped children in Central New York. Stirpe and his wife, Chele, also helped raise over $1 million to build Casey’s Place, a respite home for families caring for disabled children.

Continuing his commitment to advocate on behalf of New Yorkers with disabilities, Assemblyman Stirpe is sponsoring a bill that would restore $90 million to the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, funding that was cut in this year’s budget (A.6692). Stirpe attended a press conference discussing the importance of the legislation.

“Restoring the cuts to OPWDD is vital to the care and services that our most vulnerable and their families rely on,” Assemblyman Stirpe said. “I have a deep respect for the service providers and the daily struggles the developmentally disabled face. I will continue fighting for them, our work is not done.”