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 #17
As we embark on the second half of 2024, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and optimism—especially from our Chapters across New York State. Despite the challenges we’ve faced and continue to face in the intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) field, your unwavering commitment and resilience have propelled us forward.
The stories featured in this edition of CONNECTIONS illustrate the resilience and compassion of each of our local Chapters, collectively demonstrating that we are even more powerful when united!
Issue #16
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). It has been recognized as DDAM since 1987, when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”
DDAM reminds us why we continue to fight together to raise awareness for programs and services for the people we support and the employees who assist them. Governor Hochul, the Senate and Assembly have all released their proposed budgets and now enter negotiations to determine the final spending plan for New York state. All three budget proposals acknowledge that the state must make investment in supports and services for citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which is a win!
However, none of the proposed budgets fully address the very real crisis that has eroded the system they rely on. Our fight isn’t over yet. We must keep telling state leaders – WE MATTER! WE MATTER!
Issue #15
The end of the year is a time for reflection. We reflect on the things we’ve accomplished, the things we’ve learned, and the things we need to improve on.
As I reflect on 2023, I am proud of our organization and the strides we’ve made. I am proud of our workforce, who continue to provide quality and compassionate services to the people we support despite the strain of being understaffed. And I am proud of our strength and determination to continue advocating for the resources we need to deliver those services and compensate our staff as skilled professionals.
As we look ahead to 2024, we must remember how strong we are.
We are 100,000 members strong, serving every county in this state.
We must all unite to drive progress for people with I/DD.
The stories in this issue of CONNECTIONS reflect the strength and compassion of each of our local Chapters, and collectively show that we are even Stronger Together!
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.
