Earlier this week, a contingent of DDAWNY members traveled to Albany to participate in the annual Legislative Conference sponsored by DDAWNY, The Arc New York, and The New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation. The conference convened providers, advocates, policymakers, and system leaders from across New York State to discuss the future of services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The program included a comprehensive overview of the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities’ State Budget, Public Policy, and Programmatic Agenda for 2026, presented by:
- John Barbuto, Executive Deputy Commissioner, NYS OPWDD
- Kevin Valenchis, Deputy Commissioner of Fiscal Policy and Management, NYS OPWDD
- Eileen Haynes, General Counsel, NYS OPWDD
Participants also heard from key legislative leaders and policy experts, including Hon. Angelo Santabarbara, Chair of the NYS Assembly People with Disabilities Committee; Hon. Patricia Fahy, Chair of the NYS Senate Disabilities Committee; representatives from the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS); and experts from the Rockefeller Institute of Government, MirRam Group, Empire Center for Public Policy, and Ostroff Associates.
While in Albany, DDAWNY members had the opportunity to engage informally with several members of the Western New York and Finger Lakes legislative delegations to share regional perspectives and reinforce the importance of sustained investment in the IDD service system.
Conference discussions focused on the proposed FY 2027 Executive Budget, system sustainability, workforce challenges, and advancing health equity for individuals with disabilities.
Continuing the Advocacy Effort
We encourage all members to connect with their State Senators and Assembly Members in-district in the coming weeks to share DDAWNY’s SFY 2026–27 Budget Priorities and highlight the local impact of these proposals.
DDAWNY will continue its advocacy efforts when we meet with members of the Western New York and Finger Lakes delegations in Albany on March 10. Outreach in advance of these meetings helps ensure our regional priorities are clearly understood and strongly supported.
We thank all members who participated and continue to advocate on behalf of the individuals and families we serve.
