TIMES UNION | ALBANY, NEW YORK THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

Families across the state are counting on their state and federal elected representatives to remember the legally established human rights of the developmentally disabled throughout the coming budget negotiations (“Cuts ‘icing on the cake’ for homes,” Dec. 21). New York and the federal government must give nonprofit programs and services for the intellectually and developmentally disabled its highest priority in the face of threats to statewide funding. The nonprofit workforce serving our most vulnerable citizens with disabilities has been underfunded for years. Without sustained and adequate funding, life-supporting services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities may be on the brink of collapse.

Nonprofit services for such individuals face serious and consequential adaptive challenges that require additional resources to provide services safely during this pandemic. Their work is threatened further by workforce shortages, discriminatory budget cuts and delayed payment for services rendered. Whether at home with families, living independently or in congregate settings, our most vulnerable citizens, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, deserve the life supports necessary without discrimination or abandonment. Budget decisions must reflect the rights of individuals with disabilities at a time when they most need therapeutic supports and services. 

Karen Nagy

Rexford Steering committee member, Eastern New York Developmental Disabilities Advocates