Discussions are intensifying in Albany regarding the state budget, with advocates urging lawmakers to prioritize New York’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) care system. The stakes are high for thousands of families who rely on this essential support, as funding decisions will directly impact their access to critical services.
As the CEO of the Inter Agency Council and a board member of New York Disability Advocates (NYDA), Wini Schiff emphasizes the urgency of the situation. New York City boasts one of the most complex I/DD service systems in the United States, where nonprofit providers deliver a wide range of essential services, including residential support and employment assistance. For many families, these services are not optional; they are vital for daily living.
The demand for I/DD services has surged, with data from the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities indicating an increase of over 10,000 individuals in the I/DD population over the past five years. Concurrently, the costs associated with providing care in New York City are climbing rapidly. Inflation has reached 2.9% in the city, surpassing the national average, which has led to higher expenses for providers in areas such as food, transportation, and utilities.
Despite an increase of over 8% in direct support professional wages, reimbursement rates have not kept pace with inflation. This financial strain forces providers to make difficult decisions, such as cutting programs or leaving shifts unstaffed, which can have immediate and detrimental effects on care quality. When staffing falters, individuals with I/DD lose essential support, disrupting their daily lives and independence.
To address these challenges, advocates are calling for a 2.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) in the state budget, which would help providers manage rising costs and maintain access to essential services. However, funding alone will not rectify the broader issues impacting the I/DD system. The ongoing housing crisis in New York exacerbates workforce challenges, as many direct support professionals face housing insecurity.
A recent study by NYDA and Miami University of Ohio found that nearly half of direct support professionals struggle to secure stable housing, making it increasingly difficult for them to live in proximity to their workplaces. With median rent prices in New York City rising 5.6% over the past year, the affordability crisis is deepening. This situation contributes to workforce burnout and high turnover rates, further destabilizing care services.
Recognizing the importance of workforce stability, advocates propose the establishment of a CareForce Affordable Housing Lottery Preference (S.8676) aimed at prioritizing direct support professionals and other essential care workers for affordable housing opportunities near their workplaces. This initiative would bolster workforce retention and enhance the continuity of care for families relying on I/DD services.
As budget negotiations in Albany progress, it is crucial for lawmakers to acknowledge that services cannot exist without a dedicated workforce. The viability of the I/DD care system in New York City hinges on the ability of professionals to afford to live and work in the communities they serve.
Having witnessed the I/DD system from various perspectives, Wini Schiff highlights the immediate challenges faced by workers and families in every borough of the city. New York’s I/DD services are only as robust as the workforce supporting them, and this budget presents a critical opportunity for Albany to strengthen that foundation. The coming weeks will determine whether lawmakers will act decisively to safeguard the future of I/DD care in New York.
