Joint Legislative & Advocacy Forum
The annual Joint Legislative and Advocacy Forum is a collaboration between The Arc New York and The New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation and provides access to information on the 2022-23 Executive Budget proposal, upcoming legislation, advocacy strategies, and opportunities to engage leadership in the Senate and Assembly. Parents and family members, self-advocates, direct support professionals, not-for-profit agencies and other stakeholders will hear from presenters across a wide range of timely topics, reflecting the importance for us to be a strong voice in Albany this year and beyond.
The forum is free to attend and participants will be able to enjoy the benefits of our program without driving to the NYS Capitol! The forum will help to convey the next stage of our advocacy from March to June of 2022.
Registration Open for 2022 Disability Policy Seminar
Registration for the 2022 Disability Policy Seminar is now open. This year's seminar will be will be a hybrid event from March 28-30. You will have the opportunity to join advocates in person in Washington, DC or virtually!
The Disability Policy Seminar offers the opportunity for passionate advocates, self-advocates, experts, and professionals in the field to come together and learn about key issues that affect them most. After attending, you will have the tools to bring strong advocacy to virtual meetings and other follow-up actions as we work to raise awareness among members of Congress about issues important to the disability community.
Register by March 13 to take advantage of early bird rates! (Rates will increase starting on March 14.)
988: Mental Health Emergency Number Webinar
The Arc US is holding a webinar Monday, January 31 at 1 PM to discuss 988, the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For many people with disabilities, particularly people of color and people in the LGBTQ+ community, law enforcement response to a mental health emergency has ended in tragedy or poor outcomes, including death and incarceration. 988 holds the promise of an equitable healthcare response to a healthcare issue with better outcomes as people receive the services and supports they need to remain in their communities. This promise will only be fulfilled if adequate resources are available to support call volume and the continuum of crisis care services. This webinar will provide the latest information on 988 implementation, including concerns and advocacy. Registration and additional details can be found here.
Bill Introduced to Eliminate Marriage Penalties for People with Disabilities
On January 13, Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act, which would eliminate requirements that disabled adult children (DAC) remain unmarried in order to receive Social Security benefits, Medicare and Medicaid. The Arc of the United States endorsed this legislation.
