January 28, 2021

Registration Now Open for Joint Legislative Policy and Advocacy Forum 
Held by The Arc New York and The New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation February 9, 10, & 11 
 
The Arc New York and The NY Alliance Joint Legislative & Advocacy Forum provides access to information on the 2021-22 Executive Budget proposal, upcoming legislation, advocacy strategies, and opportunities to engage leadership in the Senate and Assembly. Parents and family members, self-advocates, direct support professionals, not-for-profit agencies and other stakeholders will hear from presenters across a wide range of timely topics, reflecting the importance for us to be a strong voice in Albany this year and beyond. The forum is free to attend and participants will be able to enjoy the benefits of our program without driving to the NYS Capitol!



While we would much rather gather together, we will be able to meet using a virtual format, which can be viewed via any internet connected devices with a web browser. So, charge your laptops, tablets, and phones and join us for this excellent event.

Participants can expect to:  
  • Receive an overview of the 2021-22 Executive Budget Proposal for OPWDD
  • Meet the Chairs of the Senate and Assembly Committees on Disabilities and Mental Health
  • Gain insight into the I/DD sector's legislative & budget priorities
  • Understand how to communicate your advocacy message effectively
Presentation dates and time blocks are below:
  • Tuesday, February 9 from 1 - 3 PM
  • Wednesday, February 10 from 11 AM - 3 PM
  • Thursday, February 11 from 9:30 AM - 1 PM
  • NEW! Virtual Rally, February 11, 1 PM 
Virtual Appointments with Assemblymembers and Senators 
We strongly encourage you to schedule virtual appointments with your Assembly and Senate representatives after the virtual rally on February 11 or on February 12, as legislators will be in their own district offices at that time.
There is no cost to attend the forum, and all are invited to attend. Register online here. 
 
Lawmakers Urge Governor to Prioritize 1A Vaccination Group 
Recognizing concerns with vaccine availability and the vulnerability of I/DD populations, lawmakers wrote a letter to Governor Cuomo strongly urging the state to focus vaccine allocations to those within Phase 1A, which includes people with I/DD living in congregate residential settings. Their letter was sent in reaction to Executive Order 202.91, which assigns vaccine access proportional to population, disregarding previous determinations based on highest need. New York State of Politics shared their call in a story published Tuesday. 
 
Echoing the sentiments of his colleagues, Senator John Mannion, the new Chair of the Senate Committee on Disabilities also wrote an independent letter to Governor Cuomo, recommending "an extension of the time frame for vaccinating specific and targeted populations, who are not only more likely to require the extra time, but ... also most at-risk without the vaccine." 
 
The Arc New York launched a state-wide grassroots campaign, sending a similar message to all state and federal representatives to include all individuals with I/DD into Phase 1A of vaccine allocation. We need your help to spread the word to your family and friends in New York. If you have not done so already, follow this link, provide your contact information, and the letter will be sent right to your representative's email. Share the link on social media after you send your message to spread the word!   
 
2021-22 New York State Budget: NYS Assembly and NYS Senate Briefing Books
The NYS Senate and Assembly have released their Blue and Yellow Books, which offer their independent analysis of the 2022 Executive Budget. The books often offer a deeper look into the budget and indicate starting positions for future negotiations. We previously shared information on the governor's budget briefing book, active budget bills, and state of the state plans in our January 19 and January 21 Advocacy Updates. The full books can be found below. 
SSA Withdraws Proposed Rule on Continuing Disability Reviews
On January 25, the Social Security Administration (SSA) withdrew a proposed rule that would increase the frequency of Continuing Disability Reviews for Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. The proposed rule would have created additional administrative burdens for people with disabilities and their families. The Arc strongly opposed the proposed rule.

The Arc US Resources and Opportunities 
Deadlines Approaching to Apply for The Arc US Committees & Advisory Councils
The Arc US is looking for Advisory Council Officers and Board Committee Members. On behalf of Ken Oakes, President of the Board of Directors of The Arc US, you are invited to get involved. Information on specific opportunities can be found below. 

The Arc's 2021-2022 National Council of Self-Advocates: Deadline Feb. 5
The Arc US is seeking new officers to lead their National Council of Self-Advocates (NCSA). People with I/DD nationwide lead and take part in the NCSA. Officers advise The Arc on advocacy, programs, and services to make sure the voices of people with I/DD are at the heart of our work. Please share with any self-advocate who you think would be interested in joining! The deadline to apply is February 5. Contact Jenny Alexander with questions. Apply online here. 
 
The Arc's 2021-2022 National Sibling Council: Deadline Feb 5
Siblings of people with I/DD who want to get more involved in advocacy are encouraged to apply to The Arc's National Sibling Council. Siblings are an important part of the disability rights movement, and we want to include their perspective. We also want to ensure that siblings from diverse communities are part of the council. The deadline to apply is February 5. Contact Liz Mahar with questions. Apply online here. 
 
The Arc US Board Committees: Deadline February 2 
For more information on Committee opportunities, review the description of roles and responsibilities of each committee here. Links to application and signup forms are included in the information document. A limited number of committee assignments are available, and applications are due by Tuesday, February 2. Current committee and advisory committee members do not need to reapply. 
 
The Arc of the United States' 2021 Policy & Advocacy Kick off Webinar
Members of The Arc's Policy, Advocacy, and Communications teams will discuss the 2021 national policy priorities, upcoming resources and ways to get involved and advocate in a webinar on Wednesday, February 3 from 1-2 pm. Register here to get up-to-date information and have your questions answered about what to expect during the 117th Congress and how The Arc network can make the greatest impact both in Washington DC and around the country.

Introduction to The Arc of the United State Chapter Portal
As a reminder, we will be highlighting resources within The Arc US Chapter Portal over the coming weeks. As this information is only available to The Arc chapters, you will need to register for an account if you have not already. The registration link can be found here.  
 
Contact: 
Philip Aydinian, Director for Governmental Affairs 

This email was sent to:
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