Disability Advocacy

  1. Report: Navigating the Benefits Cliff

    A policy brief by the Rockefeller Institute of Government, prepared for NYSID and the NY Alliance for Innovation & Inclusion, discusses the role the social safety net and the benefits cliff plays in the employment decisions of people with disabilities. 

    People with disabilities face substantial barriers to employment and limitations in both the jobs they can take and the hours that they can work. 

    One barrier to employment is benefits eligibility rules.

    The report highlights the sometimes complicated intersection of different benefits and employment choices. It also includes a discussion of three theoretical examples of the tradeoffs an individual with disabilities may make when deciding whether to be employed and how many hours to work.

    Click here to access the report.

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  2. Willowbrook Documentary Highlights Past Inequities, Hopes For Future

    More than 50 years ago, the Willowbrook State School in Staten Island was exposed for its horrific treatment of thousands of residents with various disabilities.

    “The Path Forward: Remembering Willowbrook” is a new documentary produced by the NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, in partnership with OGS Media Services, to remind the world of the importance of inclusion in all aspects of community life.

    NYSID was pleased to sponsor the Albany screening of "The Path Forward" on March 23, attended by staff from disability service provider agencies, advocates, family members, and other concerned citizens.

    An event highlight was the panel discussion, including a former Willowbrook resident and staff member. One member of the panel stated, "What we've achieved doesn't mean we stop and slow down. We need to continue to build on those accomplishments."   

    Click her

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  3. Choose To Include All Year Long!

    “Every person with disability is an individual.” – Itzhak Perlman

    March is recognized by innumerable individuals with disabilities, provider organizations, advocates, and other supporters as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

    It is a month to share inspiring stories of achievement and advancement, while remembering that the work to include those with disabilities is never done.

    “In my tenure at NYSID, we have had two outside independent studies that prove the worth of this sector,” said President & CEO Maureen O’Brien. “I look forward to a future when direct care workers are paid fair wages, and we don’t have to advocate anymore.”

    Click to read the 2021 report. 

    Inclusive workplaces and communities are better for all. As we keep doing

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