Tag Archives: residential opportunities

“Keeping The Promise”

Advocacy

From the Staten Island DD Council:

“Keep the Promise Family Coalition” Report attached and the link to petition to sign in support at the bottom of the letter below.)

Dear Family Members and Friends,

During the last ten years, it has become increasingly difficult for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to secure the residential placements they need to live safe, secure, and independent lives in their communities. Additionally, families throughout the state live in a perpetual state of anxiety that despite their advancing age and possible infirmity there is no assurance that anything other than a family catastrophe, including the death of a family caregiver, will be sufficient to justify an appropriate residential placement.

This problem only seems to be getting worse. According to a recent report by OPWDD, there are thousands of individuals who now need, or will need, permanent housing. In response to this growing housing crisis, parents and advocates have developed this Report to the Governor which describes the urgent problem and requests that the Governor expeditiously address it.

For all those who believe that we must resolve this issue, please read our Report to the Governor and sign our online petition. We need thousands of names to bring this matter to the attention of the public, the press, and especially the Governor in preparation for the FY 18-19 State Budget.

For over half a century the united voice of families, parents, and friends of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has helped ensure that they are never forgotten. During a period in our nation’s history when human needs are under siege the voice of our families, friends, and advocates throughout the state has never been more important.

Again, we urge you to read our Report to the Governor  Report to the Governor and sign our online petition and ask that all of you who care about our families and their loved ones to do the same.

Thank you for your support!

“Keeping The Promise” Letter from Laura Kennedy

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On behalf of Laura J. Kennedy, President, NYSARC, Inc.:

 

Dear Family Members and Friends,

During the last ten years, it has become increasingly difficult for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to secure the residential placements they need to live safe, secure, and independent lives in their communities.Additionally, families throughout the state live in a perpetual state of anxiety that despite their advancing age and possible infirmity there is no assurance that anything other than a family catastrophe, including the death of a family caregiver, will be sufficient to justify an appropriate residential placement.

This problem only seems to be getting worse. According to a recent report by OPWDD, there are thousands of individuals who now need, or will need, permanent housing. In response to this growing housing crisis, parents and advocates have developed this Report To The Governor which describes the urgent problem and requests that the Governor expeditiously address it.

For all those who believe that we must resolve this issue, please  Read the Report to the Governor: “Keeping the Promise”and sign our online petition. We need thousands of names to bring this matter to the attention of the public, the press, and especially the Governor in preparation for the FY 18-19 State Budget.

For over half a century the united voice of families, parents, and friends of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has helped ensure that they are never forgotten. During a period in our nation’s history when human needs are under siege the voice of our families, friends, and advocates throughout the state has never been more important.

Again, we urge you to Read the Report to the Governor: “Keeping the Promise”  and sign our online petition and ask that all of you who care about our families and their loved ones to do the same.

Thank you for your support!

 

“Keeping The Promise” FINAL

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For Your Information:

There is a report called “Keeping the Promise” about residential needs in New York. It’s important that everyone have a chance to read it and decide for themselves whether or not they want to add their name to the petition.

Letter On behalf of Laura J Kennedy

Report to the Governor: “Keeping the Promise”

NYC FAIR Executive Committee Comments on “Parents’ lawsuit blames state for shortage of group homes”

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IMPORTANT, EXCITING STATE-WIDE NEWS:
NYC FAIR Executive Committee Comments on the Buffalo Lawsuit

We have become aware of the recent filing of a lawsuit in Federal court in Buffalo to address the lack of residential options for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. As advocates, we support the people who have taken this action, and know that they have done so to ensure that their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life is protected.

In February the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities reported that there are more than more than 11,000 people statewide who need long term housing and will not be able to live independently due to their Developmental Disability. New York State reported that 46% of these people live with a family caregiver who is 60 years old or over; 61% of caregivers are experiencing health issues themselves; and 48% of those at home need assistance with almost all basic activities.

It appears that New York State’s housing strategy for people with Developmental
Disabilities is crisis management; the state responds when the caregiver dies, is unable to, or refuses to care for their loved one. As advocates, we recognize that moving their loved one is one of the most difficult decisions that a family can make, but one that all caregivers will face one day. The best outcomes for our loved ones occur when caregivers are healthy and able to plan for this this move, with the state providing adequate supports and services to meet their needs.

We recognize the substantial need that exists to identify long term housing options for a continuum of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. It is for that reason there must be a variety of options including intensive support for those with the most complex needs.

It is unfortunate that families are faced with such uncertainty, and we applaud this group of families and their courage in taking this action.

Read the story as reported by the Buffalo News on September 13, 2016:
http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/federal-court/parents-lawsuit-blames-state-for-shortage-of-group-homes-20160913

More Information : Read the complaint-class-action and memo-of-law-in-support-of-class-certa class action if you want to see all the details.