Last Chance to Register for 2023 NADSP Advocacy Symposium
The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) will hold its second national advocacy event May 3-4, to bring the Direct Support Professional (DSP) perspective to the forefront for congress and the Biden administration during a time of unprecedented workforce challenges. Hardships from the pandemic and recent legislation have provided new insights and opportunities for the direct support workforce. There is no cost to register for this two-day event.
NADSP recognizes the critical importance of lifting the voices of DSPs to federal policy-makers, to ensure public policy is informed by the people who are on the front-lines of supporting people with disabilities to live, work and thrive in the community.
The May 3 symposium will give DSPs, families, self-advocates, and providers a broad overview of the issues we face and actions we can take. This will lead up to you being automatically connected to virtual meetings with congressional representatives and staff on May 4, moderated by selected state captains. Although these meetings will focus on NADSP’s public policy priorities for 2023, The Arc New York shares the same priorities.
Please share with your members, boards, and DSPs specifically. The goal is to give DSPs a voice with their representatives. Interested advocates can register here.
Budget Update: Keep the Pressure on!
The New York state budget is now three weeks late. The Senate and Assembly passed their fourth extender bill on Wednesday in order to maintain the functional operations of government until the budget is passed. This extender will expire on Monday, April 24. Bail reform and housing initiatives continue to be points of contention. However, it has been noted by some that less controversial pieces of budget language have started to come together and staff will continue to work through the weekend on those details. Negotiations will be ongoing through this time.
There is still time to act and remind legislators that we need an 8.5% COLA and a 10% growth factor for 853/4410 special education schools, in addition to other critical reforms. The time is now to emphasize the critical need to support our workforce and the system of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities!
Send a letter calling for the 8.5% COLA here, and advocating for Special Education here!
Register for Annual Autism Day of Action April 26
Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, Chair of the New York State Assembly’s Sub-Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorders, will host the annual Annual Autism Action Day next Wednesday, April 26 in the Well of the Legislative Office Building in Albany. The event runs from 9AM-2PM, with the program beginning at 10AM. Autism Action Day brings parents, guardians, individuals, and families affected by autism together with support organizations and legislators from across the state in a united call for action on the legislation and funding that can make a difference. Your participation helps give New Yorkers with disabilities a stronger voice.
NYSARC Trust Services will have a table to provide information about options to protect the benefits and finances of people with disabilities. You can register for the event here.
