CONNECTIONS
The Arc New York recently adopted a new mission Statement:
TO PROVIDE PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL, DEVELOPMENTAL, AND OTHER DISABILITIES THE ORDINARY AND EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITIES OF LIFE.
This mission is the foundation of our strategic plan and our shared vision for the future.
Every day Chapter staff are doing the work to make that vision a reality. The Arc New York will share stories from our Chapters and messages from the organization in our monthly Connections newsletter to celebrate those efforts and demonstrate how our mission is being realized across the state.
Issue #25
This year we called on you to continue your budget advocacy months longer than expected. You did. And that fight paid off!
Together, we raised thousands of voices across New York, calling on state leaders to “Invest in Us!”
We sent a powerful message that the services and supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on are essential, our staff are skilled professionals, and New York must invest to sustain our system of care.
After nearly two months of delays beyond the April 1 deadline, New York State’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget was finally enacted just days before the end of the legislative session. While the prolonged negotiations were frustrating, your persistence showed the passion and determination of our advocacy community.
Thanks to those collective efforts, the final budget includes a 2.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) for nonprofit providers of IDD services. This flexible investment exceeds the funding level proposed in the Governor’s Executive Budget and represents another important step in strengthening the system of supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This achievement belongs to all of you.
Issue #24
As we approach the final weeks of the New York State budget process, I want to take a moment to thank our entire community — staff, families, advocates, and self-advocates — who have raised their voices this season.
Since last fall, you have sent letters, made calls, met with legislators, and rallied across the state. You showed up — in your communities and at the Capitol — to make it clear that we matter and New York must invest in the system that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
That advocacy is working.
In early March, both the Senate and the Assembly proposed a 4% Targeted Inflationary Increase —an important step forward and a direct reflection of the voices that have been heard.
But the work is not done. With the final budget approaching, now is the time to keep the momentum going and make one final push.
Advocacy works, and this is proof. Thank you for continuing to lead the way.
Issue #23
Across New York State, advocates are showing what’s possible when we come together with a shared purpose. Over the past several months, families, self-advocates, providers, and allies have raised their voices to call for meaningful investment in disability services and the workforce that makes them possible — and that advocacy is making an impact.
The Governor’s FY27 Executive Budget includes important funding increases, but more work remains. As the budget process moves forward, we are urging lawmakers to strengthen these investments and ensure our system of supports keeps pace with rising costs.
We are Stronger Together, and it is through our shared voice and continued commitment that meaningful, lasting change becomes possible.
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
