March has been a landmark advocacy month here at Living Resources. First, members of our staff, leadership, and supported individuals descended upon the New York State Capitol building for a rally in the War Room. The rally was attended by numerous agencies across the state, as well as members of the NYS legislature. Senator Patricia Fahy, chair of the Senate Disabilities Committee, spoke to the fired-up crowd and reconfirmed her support for the I/DD community. Assemblymember Santabarbara was also in attendance with his son Michael, who has Autism. The Assemblymember gave a spirited speech to the crowd, and the chants “Invest in Me, Invest in Us” could be heard throughout the Capitol building.

Just hours before the rally, both the NYS Assembly and Senate house budgets came out, and in them they are asking for a 4% target inflationary increase, up from the Governor’s 1.7% in her proposed budget. This is amazing news for the NYS I/DD community, and rally-goers were thrilled to hear it.

Later that week, DCOP groups from Rockland, Westchester, Putnam, and Orange Counties came together with staff and leadership at Rockland Community College in Suffern for the Rally In The Valley. Groups made their own signs and joined advocates from all across the state to have their voices heard and advocate for better conditions for individuals with I/DD and the staff that support them.

Also in March, our DCOP and CEP groups came to the Capitol and Legislative Office Building for another round of self-advocacy. Everyone was in a festive mood for St. Patrick’s Day, and enjoyed visiting with representatives and their staff, while asking them to support individuals with I/DD in the upcoming budget. For many, this was the first time they had ever interacted with elected officials, and while they were a bit nervous at first, they warmed right up to the task!

Advocacy isn’t just another word on a wall here at Living Resources. It is something we live and practice each and every day. We’re so incredibly proud of the self-advocates who showed up to have their voices heard. To get involved and start advocating for individuals with I/DD, visit our advocacy toolkit at https://www.livingresources.org/advocacy/.