CONNECTIONS
The Arc New York recently adopted a new mission Statement:
TO PROVIDE PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL, DEVELOPMENTAL, AND OTHER DISABILITIES THE ORDINARY AND EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITIES OF LIFE.
This mission is the foundation of our strategic plan and our shared vision for the future.
Every day Chapter staff are doing the work to make that vision a reality. The Arc New York will share stories from our Chapters and messages from the organization in our monthly Connections newsletter to celebrate those efforts and demonstrate how our mission is being realized across the state.
Issue #26
Across New York this summer, our Chapters are recognizing graduates, honoring achievements, hosting community events, and creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to learn, grow, and thrive. This month also marks Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the contributions, talents, and leadership of people with disabilities and to reaffirm a simple truth: our communities are stronger when everyone belongs.
This year’s Disability Pride Month theme, “The World Works Better With Us,” is particularly meaningful as we confront challenges that threaten the rights and opportunities generations of advocates have worked to secure.
The Arc New York remains committed to defending the rights of people with disabilities to live, work, and participate fully in their communities. We oppose efforts to weaken the protections established by Olmstead v. L.C., a landmark decision affirming the right to community-based services, and continue to advocate for inclusion over institutionalization. We are also concerned by proposals affecting special education, civil rights protections, and workforce policies that could further strain the direct support workforce and impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
These issues may appear different on the surface, but they are connected by a common principle: people with disabilities deserve equal access, equal opportunity, and equal rights.
Issue #25
This year we called on you to continue your budget advocacy months longer than expected. You did. And that fight paid off!
Together, we raised thousands of voices across New York, calling on state leaders to “Invest in Us!”
We sent a powerful message that the services and supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on are essential, our staff are skilled professionals, and New York must invest to sustain our system of care.
After nearly two months of delays beyond the April 1 deadline, New York State’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget was finally enacted just days before the end of the legislative session. While the prolonged negotiations were frustrating, your persistence showed the passion and determination of our advocacy community.
Thanks to those collective efforts, the final budget includes a 2.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) for nonprofit providers of IDD services. This flexible investment exceeds the funding level proposed in the Governor’s Executive Budget and represents another important step in strengthening the system of supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This achievement belongs to all of you.
Issue #24
As we approach the final weeks of the New York State budget process, I want to take a moment to thank our entire community — staff, families, advocates, and self-advocates — who have raised their voices this season.
Since last fall, you have sent letters, made calls, met with legislators, and rallied across the state. You showed up — in your communities and at the Capitol — to make it clear that we matter and New York must invest in the system that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
That advocacy is working.
In early March, both the Senate and the Assembly proposed a 4% Targeted Inflationary Increase —an important step forward and a direct reflection of the voices that have been heard.
But the work is not done. With the final budget approaching, now is the time to keep the momentum going and make one final push.
Advocacy works, and this is proof. Thank you for continuing to lead the way.
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
