January 21, 2021 CP State News We're here for you! ️

Sen. Mannion urges vaccine priority for people with disabilities People with developmental and intellectual disabilities should receive priority access to the COVID-19 vaccine, said state Sen. John Mannion on Thursday .  Mannion, a freshman Democrat from central New York, urged Gov. Andrew Cuomo to expand the eligibility for people with disabilities as the COVID-19 vaccine supply has dwindled in the state.  "Although individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities living in group settings were included in Phase 1a of vaccine distribution, this is not enough. Less than 20% of these individuals actually live in congregate homes, meaning many were not eligible," Mannion wrote in the letter to Cuomo. "People with disabilities who live independently or with caregivers should also be vaccinated as soon as possible." Read more at nystateofpolitics.com.

2021-22 New York State Budget Documents All 2021-22 NYS Budget documents, including Article VII and Appropriation bills, financial plan, briefing books, and agency memos can be viewed in their entirety at https://www.budget.ny.gov/pubs/archive/fy22/ex/fy22bills.html CP State will continue to provide updates on the state budget and coinciding advocacy as information emerges.

Statewide COVID-19 positivity rate is 6.18% Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state’s progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “COVID-19 is continuing to spread across the state, and the footrace continues between our ability to quickly distribute the vaccine—hampered only by supply—and the virus’ new strains and new cases,” Governor Cuomo said. “Our large network of distribution sites is ready, willing and able to get more vaccines to New Yorkers, faster—all we need is the supply. In the meantime, New Yorkers who aren’t yet eligible should stay vigilant as we get through the winter, washing their hands, wearing masks and socially distancing. The extent of community spread is a function of our actions, and we can slow it down. Our citizens have already been brave and resilient through the enormous hardship that we’ve faced over the last year, saving countless lives. Now we need to get through to the light at the end of the tunnel.” Please find additional details in the press release here.

CP State Training Series: Your guide to advocacy On January 27, 2 p.m., CP State will offer all you've ever wanted to know about basic advocacy but were afraid to ask! Join Evan Sullivan, Senior Vice President at Ostroff Associates, for a primer on legislative outreach, and overview of the NYS Legislature and how it works, and the key topics and challenges for 2021. Affiliate members will be notified of specific Lobby Day dates that they can schedule with their representatives. If you would like to participate, please contact Tim Ferguson at TFerguson@cpstate.org or 518-436-0178.

CP State Training Series: Dating and relationships for people with disabilities CP State is honored to host a series on navigating dating and relationships for people with disabilities. These FREE sessions will begin on February 23 and are presented by Kathy O'Connell, Director of Radiant Abilities. Radiant Abilities provides resources and products for people with disabilities in the areas of self-esteem, relationships, and personal empowerment. If you would like to participate, please contact Tim Ferguson at TFerguson@cpstate.org or 518-436-0178. Click here for more information.

Google’s Project Euphonia helps individuals with impaired speech use voice-activated tech Google’s Project Euphonia is always looking for individuals with developmental disabilities to help their software improve how speech recognition systems recognize impaired speech. The project is designed to refine the speech recognition algorithms that drive devices like Google Home, Alexa, and other voice-activated technologies by introducing atypical speech patterns from individuals with disabilities. Click here for more information. Clicking on the “Record phrases” button in the upper righthand corner will bring you to the application an individual would need to fill out before participating in the project.

CP State and SAP Litmos have your training needs covered CP State is proud to provide the SAP Litmos online learning platform to provide efficient and thorough training for Affiliate staff. Whether you need to onboard staff more efficiently or are looking for a suite of COVID-19 related classes, we provide top-level professional development courses within our online learning library! For more information contact: Tim Ferguson Director of Online Learning tferguson@cpstate.org

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