Groups Launch #SaveCDPA Coalition to Preserve Program for New Yorkers with Special Needs
Local officials, organizations, and families are coming together to preserve funding for CDPAP, which helps individuals with special needs receive care from family members.
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The executive director of CDPAANYS, Bryan O’Malley, underlined the importance of the coalition and working with the DOH to preserve the program.
“The court’s decision today was an important first step in protecting services for the tens of thousands of senior and disabled New Yorkers who rely on the CDPA program,” he said. “As they go back to the drawing board, CDPAANYS and the #SaveCDPA coalition are ready and willing to work with the DOH to come up with real solutions that will save money without impacting consumers’ services and workers’ wages, especially when New York is already in a homecare crisis.”
Officials shared their support of the coalition’s goal and the importance of CDPAP.
"Many people with developmental disabilities and mental health issues depend on the CDPAP, which is why funding is critical. This program allows people to be in charge of their own care and gain independence,” said Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester), Chair of the Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. “Cuts in funding to this program will be disastrous, which is why we must all stand together in one collective voice in support of the CDPAP.”
Follow #SaveCDPA on social media for updates on the coalition, rulings, advocacy, and further action.
Main Image: The Slomba family–Nancy, Ben, and Joe–from Rochester. Ben supports Nancy and Joe with the money he receives from CDPAP. According to CDPAANYS, when the FI budget cut went into effect into September, Ben was notified that he could no longer bill overtime, meaning he would either not be paid for the 50+ hours a week in overtime he cared for Joe, or the family would need to hire other unfamiliar caregivers to fill those hours for Joe. Courtesy CDPAANYS.
