Email | Print

On January 7th, NYAPRS helped organize a cross-disability "Call to Conscience" event in Albany to remind the Governor and state legislators of their legal and moral obligations to New Yorkers with disabilities, even in one of the worst budget seasons in history.

Over 150 advocates from across New York gathered together for a press conference and spirited demonstration on the Capitol steps to urge the Governor not to balance the state's troubled budget on the backs of people with disabilities. The event communicated the solidarity of the state's disability community, and their resolve to work together to preserve services and protect the rights of all New Yorkers with disabilities.

Within this general message to maintain a commitment to New York's most vulnerable citizens, advocates are pressing state leaders in particular to provide community-based housing for people with psychiatric disabilities. Without sufficient housing, many individuals with psychiatric disabilities are forced to live in inadequate and inappropriate settings like adult homes.

"I'm looking to New York State to come through on commitments to offer me and my peers the promise of dignity and decent community housing," said Kimberly Velasquez, a former resident of Seaport Manor, a Brooklyn adult home recently closed by the state after revelations reported by the New York Times.

Also of pressing importance is restoration of the Community Reinvestment Law, which Governor Pataki vetoed last month. The restoration of this landmark piece of legislation has been crucial to ensure continued funding for community mental health services over the past decade.

Advocates also pressed legislators to forego funding and service cuts that would jeopardize essential services for people with disabilities.

This event on January 7th was just the kick-off for NYAPRS' continued efforts to call attention to specific mental health issues. Let legislators hear your voice as they make important decisions concerning mental health, and attend our annual Legislative Day in Albany on April 15th, and the training session for Legislative Day on April 9th. NYAPRS especially asks those with experience to help out by volunteering as a team leader on April 15th. Watch for further details regarding bus reservations and departure locations.

To ensure that our issues receive adequate attention throughout the budget season, NYAPRS will be working with individual member agencies to organize legislative visits in Albany or at local district offices. NYAPRS staff and regional coordinators will be available to help your agency schedule visits, to provide literature on the issues, and to provide a team leader for visits. Contact Jody Silver at (212) 780-1400 x774.

Last year's legislative advocacy efforts yielded an unprecedented number of victories, including state adoption of the Medicaid Buy-In work incentive, passage of the Most Integrated Community Settings law, approval of a COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) and Medicaid fee hike for community mental health agencies, legislative passage of Community Reinvestment law and the establishment of a state adult home reform initiative.

"During difficult times, it is even more important that advocates for the recovery, rehabilitation and rights of New Yorkers with psychiatric disabilities step up their efforts, in conjunction with our friends in the broader disability advocacy community, to make sure we are not forgotten," said Ray Schwartz, co-chair of the NYAPRS Public Policy Committee.