Local advocate for the disabled speaks at Albany Rally for investments in direct care
Read the speech by Arc Allegany-Steuben Peer Support Specialist Joe Damiano
Hundreds of attorneys from The Arc New York (together with attorneys from The Arc Allegany-Steuben) and New York Disability Advocates companions gathered collectively in the NYS Capitol War Room on Wednesday, November 17, 2022, calling for funding in the workforce Direct Support Professionals and companies which are important to assist New Yorkers with mental and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Specifically, the legal professionals requested:
- Establishing a Direct Support Wage Increase (DSWE)
- Inclusion of statutory 8.5% value of dwelling adjustment (COLA) in the 2023-2024 Executive Budget.
For a long time, New York State has not made satisfactory investments to assist the important packages and companies that folks with I/DD depend on. This systemic underfunding has pushed service suppliers right into a crucial staffing disaster and eroded New York’s assist system for its residents with I/DD. The knowledge speaks for itself:
- 38% of suppliers discontinued or diminished packages and companies in 2021 alone
- The common employees turnover fee nationwide is 35.5%
- Turnover prices for nonprofit suppliers have risen to greater than $100 million yearly
- Nearly 20,000 crucial direct assist positions are vacant nationwide
- 18% emptiness fee means New Yorkers with disabilities are lacking out on wanted care and assist
Arc Allegany-Steuben Peer Support Specialist Joe Damiano spoke throughout the Rally. He had initially written a speech, however ended up talking “off the cuff.” “I introduced myself and then said without DSP people wouldn’t get the services they rightfully deserve,” mentioned Joe Damiano. “Then I mentioned you’ll be able to go to McDonalds or Burger King and make 15.00 an hour in comparison with the company. That’s what I mentioned in a nutshell.” Please additionally discover Joe’s unique remarks hooked up.
Joe’s speech at the rally:
Hello My title is Joseph Damiano, I’m a peer assist specialist at The Arc Allegany-Steuben in addition to a self-advocate.
Without DSP individuals with disabilities wouldn’t be capable of obtain the companies they rightfully deserve and we should be capable of keep an reasonably priced wage for DSPs.
Some of those DSPs have a household and even with a job in an Arc they must discover a second job simply to make ends meet.
For many individuals with disabilities, the assist they want is a security web for them.
There are cracks rising in this workforce disaster contemplating New Yorkers with disabilities could not be capable of get fundamental service except they obtain an reasonably priced wage.
Caring for otherwise abled individuals is rewarding but in addition difficult and requires ongoing coaching and expertise.
At some level in our lives, we or somebody we love might want to obtain some sort of assist associated to HCBS Services.
It’s not a query of if, however when, we have to be certain that persons are taken care of and have the safety blanket for a few years to return.
Thank you for your time in the present day.
Watch the video from the rally
You can nonetheless be part of the name with one click on right here: https://p2a.co/e5sta1V Speak up for New Yorkers with I/DD!
PHOTO: (l-r) Marlena Bialy, Judy Alger, Stephanie Kubiak, Ridge Erskine, Ted Perry, Mike Damiano and legal professional Joe Damiano at the November 17, 2022, NYS Capitol Rally.
