The annual, two-day Legislative & Advocacy Forum, organized by New York Alliance and The Arc New York, being held Feb. 13-14, is designed to give not-for-profit agencies, parents and family members, self-advocates and direct support professionals access to information on legislation, the Executive Budget and State leadership.

One of the more critical issues is getting Direct Service Providers the pay they deserve. While advocates have been hoping for an 8.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), Gov. Kathy Hochul came back with a budget that included a disastrous 2.5% COLA for DSPs.

The program, being held in the Hart Lounge in the Egg (the city’s performing arts venue), starts out with Kerri Neifeld, commissioner, New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), presenting OPWDD policy, legislative and state budget priorities for 2023. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, so check out the link.

Additionally, don’t forget what you can do to get your voice heard. Join a rally being held on Feb. 13 in Albany and make some noise! Read more about the rally here.

Photo: Nitant Patel