Sounding an Alarm
by Jennifer Watson
As we come to the end of 2024 with no concrete plan, I must continue to voice my profound concerns about New York State’s planned transition to a statewide Fiscal Intermediary (FI) for Consumer Directed Personal Assistance (CDPA) Services.
CONTINUE READING
STIC Goes to Albany to Stand Up for CDPAP
The Alliance to Protect Home Care, of which STIC is a part, held a rally in front of the New York State Capital building on Wednesday, November 13, opposing the “arbitrary and capricious” move to a single Fiscal Intermediary (FI) and demanding the Governor and Legislature retreat to a more moderate plan to cut costs.
CONTINUE READING
A Correction
In the previous issue of AccessAbility, in the article “The Shocking Tale of the Judge Rotenberg Center”, we reported that New York was still sending students to the JRC. That was incorrect, or at best misleading.
CONTINUE READINGFall 2024
Leadership in Health Care, Past & Present
By Jennifer Watson
The world lost a true champion of health care and social justice when Jim Tallon passed away on July 9, 2024. He was one of the most influential figures in shaping health care policy in New York State. Tallon served in the NYS Assembly from 1975 to 1994, representing the Binghamton area. His tenure was marked by a deep commitment to public service and a particular focus on health care reform and accessibility. He was a strong ally of STIC and independent living, especially in the early days of our organization during his time in the Assembly.
Summer 2024
Heartening Progress, Great Challenges
By Jennifer Watson
The outcome of the SFY 2024-25 NYS budget presented a mixed bag for New Yorkers with disabilities. In many ways it demonstrated NY’s commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities are valued and have access to supports and services, and with equal and opposite force it revealed quite the contrary. Some positive highlights include heightened attention towards mental health initiatives, increased funding for postsecondary special education, and enhanced resources allocated for Disabled individuals within the justice system.
CONTINUE READING WEB VERSION
Spring 2024
Governor’s Proposed Budget Slashes and Restricts CDPA, Other Critical Services
By Jennifer Watson
My first editorial as Executive Director of STIC is on a topic very near and dear to my heart: Consumer Directed Personal Assistance (CDPA) Services, though I wish I weren’t writing about it in this context. As many of you know, the roots of CDPA can be traced back to the disability rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s, which emphasized self-determination, civil rights and independent living for people with disabilities.
CONTINUE READING WEB VERSION
