May 6, 2021
Call to Action: Special Education Funding
On April 12, the State Education Department (SED) sent their proposed recommendations to the Division of Budget (DOB) for the 2021-22 school year tuition rates for preschool and school age special education providers, which includes a 7% increase among other proposals.

After decades of special education schools being severely underfunded, we need Governor Cuomo and state legislators to tell DOB to support of SED’s plan. We have waited long enough to be recognized as a critical education resource and cannot let this opportunity pass us by! Add your voice to the call through our online campaign here.
Oppose OPWDD Cuts!
Today's New York State Register noted the adoption of the May 1 occupancy adjustment regulatory proposal by The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). These cuts will have significant impacts on individuals with intellectual adevelopmental disabilities (I/DD), and would result in a $238 million annualized cut to the system. The most egregious cuts slash reimbursement to voluntary providers by 50% whenever individuals with I/DD leave to spend time with family or are admitted to the hospital for care. The proposal also imposes an annual “cap” of 96 days of therapeutic leave, after which reimbursement would be reduced to zero, and eliminates the occupancy adjustment resulting from vacancies.

We continue to continue to advocate against these reductions with our legislative champions, partners, families and individuals we support.

To date, The Arc New York family has made nearly 18,000 connections with state leaders through our online advocacy campaign, but the fight is not over yet! If you haven't done so yet, you can send a letter opposing cuts to therapeutic leave days to Governor Cuomo and your state legislator with one click here. 
Kirk Lewis on Capitol Pressroom
Schenectady ARC Executive Director Kirk Lewis discussed the impact of the May 1 Therapeutic Leave cuts with Capitol Pressroom in a segment that aired yesterday. Kirk shared his perspective as a provider a family member on the impact of the cuts on the stability of providers and the families and individuals we support. Listen to the full podcast here.

CMS Webinar on Technology and Integration
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is holding a webinar on Wednesday, May 12 from 1:30 - 3 PM to explore how technology can influence and ensure an integrated life in the community. This initial training session will focus on lessons learned during the Public Health Emergency and consider the use of technology in supporting reintegration with in-person services and assist home and community-based services (HCBS) participants re-engage with their communities. Learn more and register for the webinar here.

This training is being offered as a two-part presentation. It is strongly recommended that training participants attend both sessions. Part two of this training projected to be delivered on July 14, 2021, and will address critical considerations for states as they explore incorporating technology into state HCBS waivers prior to or when the Appendix K flexibilities have ended. 

HRC Symposium: Eliminating Compounded Disparities for People with Disabilities
AHRC New York City, a Chapter of the Arc New York, and their partners will host a symposium on Friday, May 14, from 8:30 - 4:30 PM titled, A Call to Action: Eliminating Compounded Disparities for People with Disabilities in a Year of COVID-19. 

Focusing on Lived Experience, this Symposium will explore the Intersectionality of Disability, Race, Ethnicity, Culture, Gender Identities, and the Political Determinants of Health and provoke a deeper discussion, a greater sense of shared responsibility and a better-defined road map for future action in partnership with people with disabilities.

Learn more and register here.
Contact: Philip Aydinian, Associate Executive Director for Governmental Affairs 
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