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 #16
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). It has been recognized as DDAM since 1987, when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”
DDAM reminds us why we continue to fight together to raise awareness for programs and services for the people we support and the employees who assist them. Governor Hochul, the Senate and Assembly have all released their proposed budgets and now enter negotiations to determine the final spending plan for New York state. All three budget proposals acknowledge that the state must make investment in supports and services for citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which is a win!
However, none of the proposed budgets fully address the very real crisis that has eroded the system they rely on. Our fight isn’t over yet. We must keep telling state leaders – WE MATTER! WE MATTER!
Issue #15
The end of the year is a time for reflection. We reflect on the things we’ve accomplished, the things we’ve learned, and the things we need to improve on.
As I reflect on 2023, I am proud of our organization and the strides we’ve made. I am proud of our workforce, who continue to provide quality and compassionate services to the people we support despite the strain of being understaffed. And I am proud of our strength and determination to continue advocating for the resources we need to deliver those services and compensate our staff as skilled professionals.
As we look ahead to 2024, we must remember how strong we are.
We are 100,000 members strong, serving every county in this state.
We must all unite to drive progress for people with I/DD.
The stories in this issue of CONNECTIONS reflect the strength and compassion of each of our local Chapters, and collectively show that we are even Stronger Together!
Issue #14
We recently celebrated Direct Support Professional Week. I want, once again, to thank each and every DSP for their essential work, and their impact on the lives of people they support.
It is the mission of The Arc New York to “provide people with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities the ordinary and extraordinary opportunities of life.” Our DSPs are truly the foundation of that mission. Every day, every skill, every success, every opportunity is supported by a DSP. They are responsible for the health, wellbeing, growth and inclusion of people with I/DD. Their work is important.
This issue of Connections highlights some of the amazing DSPs our Chapters are lucky to employ. I urge you to read about their impact.
Most importantly, I urge you to advocate for our workforce with the same passion and commitment they bring to their work every day. The role of DSPs is deeply undervalued. The best way to honor them is to advocate for their recognition and compensation as skilled professionals. Read on for opportunities to advocate, and join the fight!