This month was a powerful one for Living Resources, as individuals from our Day Community Opportunities program and our College Experience program took their voices directly to the New York State Capitol in Albany. It was a day filled with purpose, collaboration, and vital advocacy for the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Individuals met with members of the NYS legislature, confidently and passionately advocating for critical initiatives that directly impact their lives and the services they receive. Their message was clear and urgent. They called for an increase in the Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) from 1.7% to 2.7% and the restoration of Care Coordination Organizations as eligible programs under the TII. This crucial adjustment would provide much-needed support to ensure the continued excellence and sustainability of the vital services Living Resources and other agencies provide.
They also advocated for infrastructure and workforce investments, addressing the critical need for affordable housing for direct support professionals. By speaking up for the dedicated professionals who support them every day, individuals demonstrated both integrity and kindness, recognizing that a stable, valued workforce strengthens the entire disability community.
For our College Experience program, this visit was more than advocacy; it was empowerment in action. As part of their navigation class, students independently navigated the public transportation system, riding the bus from campus to the Capitol. This hands-on application of their skills built confidence, reinforced independence, and demonstrated their capability in a real-world setting.
Advocacy at Living Resources is rooted in inclusivity. The voices of those we support were not only present, they were leading the conversation. Alongside them, our leadership team and board members met with legislators to further elevate the issues affecting the disability community and Direct Support Professionals. Ajani Boyd, an individual supported by Living Resources, shared his personal story and spoke candidly about how the proposed budget would impact his life. His voice brought clarity, authenticity, and urgency to the discussion.
At Living Resources, advocacy isn’t just a value displayed on our wall, it is something we live and practice each and every day. The voices heard at the Capitol were powered by our core values: collaboration in working side by side, empowerment in self-advocates leading the way, excellence in the services we fight to sustain, inclusivity in whose voices are centered, integrity in speaking honestly about what’s needed, and kindness in uplifting the entire community. When our values lead the way, meaningful change follows.