21 Nov Hundreds Of New York Disability Advocates Rally at the Capitol to Demand a Stable Care System

Self-advocate Kim Compton and DSP Meg Affonso from the Center for Disability Services were among the speakers calling for a fair investment in disability services.

On November 19, more than 300 members of New York Disability Advocates (NYDA) coalition rallied in the War Room of the Capitol to urge lawmakers to support a stable care system for New Yorkers with disabilities. Among the attendees were representatives from non-profit provider agencies throughout the state, direct support professionals, family members, and people with disabilities.

NYDA is calling on legislators to address in next year’s state budget the decades-long underfunding that has left non-profit providers struggling to maintain facilities and provide the high quality care that people with disabilities deserve. To address these issues and ensure a stable care system for people with disabilities, NYDA is advocating for a 7.8% Medicaid rate increase, adequate wages for direct support professionals, and enhanced capital funding to meet New York’s ambitious climate goals.

“A stable care system is necessary to uphold dignity, respect, and opportunity for people with disabilities,” said Mike Alvaro, president, New York Disability Advocates. “It’s time for New York to prioritize this funding to ensure non-profit providers have the resources needed to provide the support that New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities have come to rely on.”

In the FY 2026 Executive Budget NYDA is asking for:

• A 7.8% Medicaid Rate Increase – Medicaid rates go beyond just addressing wages. Rates for programs and services are all-inclusive and support the whole person. This rate increase would address the rising costs of providing quality care and ensure stability for non-profit providers.
• Creation of a Wage Commission –  A wage commission would examine the roles and responsibilities of human service workers and establish fair, sustainable compensation standards commensurate with their work.
• Enhanced Capital Funding – This funding would help non-profit providers modernize their operations, making them more energy-efficient and in alignment with the state’s climate goals.

Each of NYDA’s funding priorities addresses critical gaps in New York’s disability services that have left people with disabilities, their families, and care providers struggling. The requested 7.8% Medicaid rate increase is vital to stabilize agency operations and counter rising costs of care, including staff wages, food, housing, insurance, utilities, and more. Adequate wages for direct support professionals are crucial to retaining and attracting skilled workers, who are the backbone of day-to-day support and care. Additionally, enhanced capital funding would allow agencies to make much-needed upgrades, enhancing efficiency and the overall quality of life for New Yorkers with disabilities while maintaining or reducing costs. These measures represent an investment in the whole system, and the creation of a more stable, respectful, and inclusive care system for over 130,000 people with disabilities across the state.

New York Disability Advocates will continue to fight for this critical investment in the system. NYDA and its supporters urge lawmakers to prioritize funding that will empower New York’s disability services and ensure that individuals with disabilities and the staff who support them have the resources they need.

About New York Disability Advocates

New York Disability Advocates (NYDA) is a statewide coalition of more than 300 non-profit organizations providing vital services and support to more than 130,000 New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Across the state, these non-profit organizations provide comprehensive and individualized supports and services for people with developmental disabilities through their lifespan and in all areas of their lives—including residential and day services, employment opportunities, physical and behavioral health services, community integration and much more.  

For more information, visit https://nydisabilityadvocates.com/, or follow us on X @NYDisabilityAdv and Facebook

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