Welcome to DDAWNY’s Advocacy Page

!! ADVOCACY ALERT !!     4/21/23

 In three weeks, the New York State Senate and Assembly will finalize their 2024 One House Budgets, and we remain hopeful that lawmakers will include an 8.5% cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) increase for nonprofit provider agencies and Direct Support Wage Enhancement (DSWE) for direct support staff to finally put an end to the workforce crisis that has challenged our community for far too long.

Over the next three weeks, we’re calling on YOU to help us make some noise and remind lawmakers that care can’t wait – the time is NOW to prioritize these crucial investments for the I/DD community and those who care for them.

One of the most effective ways to make your voice heard is by using social media to share your story and advocate for change. That’s why the New York Disability Advocates has prepared a social media toolkit that contains example posts, downloadable graphics, talking points and other helpful tips to help advocates and supporters like you take action online.

By Tweeting or posting on Facebook once or multiple times per day leading up to the budget announcements, we can remind our elected officials that the I/DD community has a voice and we’re not afraid to use it.

When you post, don’t forget to tag your local Senate and Assembly members and the New York Disability Advocates (@nydisabilityadv). To identify your elected officials and find their social handles, visit https://www.elections.ny.gov/district-map.html and enter your zip code.

Let’s get this done, together.

Schools Rate Disparity (853/4410)

• 853 schools and 4410 preschools are educational programs dedicated to improving the opportunities and outcomes for students enrolled. DDAWNY speaks on behalf of a broad spectrum of special education students enrolled in our member agency schools by advocating, assisting, and representing the schools which support and educate them.
• Local schools for children with special needs are asking for the approval of an 11 percent increase to provide services to children whose home school districts have determined their needs exceed the capabilities of public districts.

Here you will find the top system-wide issues that DDAWNY feels are most critical. For each major issue you will find a brief explanation of the issue and a link that will take you to various ways that you can help!

Here are the current DDAWNY priorities for advocacy in New York State. Click on each to learn more:

#RaiseTheWage

• The Developmental Disabilities Alliance of WNY (DDAWNY) recognizes the developmental disabilities workforce crisis.
• DDAWNY is calling on the New York State Legislature to pass a law (Senate Bill S6879/Assembly Bill A8091) that would disallow cuts to reimbursements for residential habilitation services that are proposed to go into effect.
• Click HERE to see how you can help!

Schools Rate Disparity (853/4410)

• 853 schools and 4410 preschools are educational programs dedicated to improving the opportunities and outcomes for students enrolled. DDAWNY speaks on behalf of a broad spectrum of special education students enrolled in our member agency schools by advocating, assisting, and representing the schools which support and educate them.
• Local schools for children with special needs are asking for the approval of a 7 percent increase to provide services to children whose home school districts have determined their needs exceed the capabilities of public districts.
• Click HERE to see how you can help!

DSP Recruitment Campaign

• A DSP is a Direct Support Professional who supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living full, safe, and happy lives. There are more than 3,000 vacant DSP positions in Western New York. Learn and share information about openings!
• Click HERE to see how you can help!