Today, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) joined advocates and consumers at a rally calling for ‘Care Not Cuts’ in order to better support individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) throughout the state.

The rally was hosted by Sen. John Mannion (D-50, Geddes) in front of the New York State Capitol ahead of a Senate Standing Committee on Disabilities Public Hearing to evaluate the current workforce challenges of the I/DD service delivery system.

“This week is dedicated to recognizing direct-support professionals and all of the important work they do for individuals with I/DD throughout our state. However, after attending today’s rally and public hearing, it is clear that we need to do much more than just recognize their work. We also need to drastically improve the system that was created to support them,” said Walsh. “There is a 25% vacancy rate for direct-service providers, along with closed programs, reduced operations and a critical staffing shortage. These are the people and services that provide for some of our most vulnerable friends and family members. The lack of priority that has been placed on increasing funding and making sure that all New Yorkers— regardless of abilities—have the absolute best support in place is unacceptable.

“Thousands of New Yorkers are on waiting lists for group homes, programming, or simply to have a direct-service provider who can help them with their day-to-day needs. This situation is alarming and, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, only gotten worse. We absolutely need to prioritize the needs of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities heading into the 2022 Legislative Session and budget negotiations.”

The public hearing included testimony from a wide range of organizations impacted by these obstacles and shortages, as well as self-advocates, advocacy groups, PEF and Commissioner Kastner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.