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Advocacy Agenda for the Summer and Fall
Throughout the summer and fall we will be engaging our lawmakers at the local, state, and federal levels to create new relationships and deepen ones that already exist. Beyond virtual meetings, we encourage Chapters and advocates to seek in-person interactions to convey the important work of providers of supports and services for people with I/DD.
Developing relationships with the elected officials that represent you and your Chapter in the “off-session” (June – December) is a critical part of our collective advocacy efforts. We need to build stronger links to our representatives to effectively advance our advocacy efforts. This strategy aims to strengthen these connections.
We have created a brief resource sheet, which highlights some suggested activities to accomplish these goals, along with links to additional resources. We will share additional information and ideas throughout the coming months. Please be sure to use the survey link in the resource sheet to report on your interactions or email your updates to Philip Aydinian, Director of Governmental Affairs.
The Arc Celebrates Victory in the Fight to Ban Electroshock
Yesterday, the House voted against a harmful provision in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, which would have taken away the FDA’s power to ban the use of electroshock devices.
Thanks to the work of The Arc and many grassroots advocates, this rider failed to make it into the final bill, and the FDA still has the power to #StopTheShock. The Arc of the United States posted a video about this success, which we encourage you to like and share. You can also read their comments on the FDA rule here.
Recognizing the Role of DSPs Act One Step Closer to Reality
On Wednesday, July 10, the House Education and Labor Committee unanimously voted to advance the "Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act" (S.1332/ H.R. 2941) to the floor of the House for a vote! This moment of celebration comes as a result of your tireless advocacy in support of DSPs. Now that the bill has passed the Senate and this important hurdle in the House, we are closer than ever to push this important initiative across the finish line. We encourage you to participate in our one-click campaign for the SOC to tell your representatives why recognizing DSPs is so important. You can find summary of the bill to assist with your message here.
The Arc New York would like to thank Rep. Joseph Morelle [NY-25], as an original sponsor of this bill and all other co-sponsors from our NY Delegation: Rep. Jamaal Bowman [NY-16], Rep. Brian Higgins [NY-26], Rep Michael Lawler [NY-17], Rep. Marcus Molinaro [NY-19], Rep. Patrick Ryan [NY-18], Rep. Paul Tonko and [NY-20] Rep. Ritchie Torres [D-NY-15]. Let’s get it done this session!
Training on the Federal Regulatory Review & Comment Process
The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) will hold a pair of training sessions to help better prepare the public to voice concerns regarding potential regulatory actions in formal meetings and in their submitted comments and testimony.
At the first training sessions, OIRA will describe how members of the public may request and schedule a meeting and how to make them most effective. They will also offer two sessions on writing and submitting effective public comments. These two sessions cover the same material, so you can register for the one that is most convenient for you.
Training on effective meeting participation
July 16, 2024, 1 to 1:45 PM
Register Here
Trainings on effective participation in the public comment process
July 18, 2024, 3 to 3:45 PM
Register Here
July 24, 2024, 5:30 to 6:15 PM
Register Here
Survey on Improving the Lives of Aging New Yorkers with I/DD
The New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) is leading a Community of Practice to improve the lives of Aging New Yorkers with Developmental Disabilities. The Community of Practice aims to identify challenges for aging people with developmental disabilities and propose solutions that can be implemented across New York.
The survey is open to people with developmental disabilities, family members or caregivers of people with developmental disabilities, and professional in the developmental disability and/or aging fields.
This survey will end on July 19, 2024. You can participate here.
The Arc of the US in the News and Webinars
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USA Today: Interview with Katy Neas about a Supreme Court regarding parental rights in IEP meetings
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Comcast Newsmakers filmed a segment about voting and people with disabilities featuring Claire Manning of the Arc US.
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The Arc advised Yelp as they created a new accessibility feature, and was mentioned in the news coverage in Mashable.
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The Arc connected STAT News to Veronica Ayala, who was institutionalized as a child, for a story on the 25th anniversary of the Olmstead decision.
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AccessiBe’s Josh Basile interviewed Shira Wakschlag for their podcast, featuring The Arc's legal advocacy work.
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The Arc worked with the National Press Club to feature a Q&A with CEO Katy Neas on including people with disabilities and disability issues in the election coverage. The second in a four-part series is here.
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The Arc’s policy staff, David Goldfarb and Robyn Linscott, provided a legislative and regulatory update for The Arc of Michigan as part of their 2024 Disability Policy Webinar Series. The presentation included a brief overview of Congress and how best to lobby one’s representatives. Watch the recording.
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CEO Katy Neas will present a webinar July 15 at 2 PM to share information about The Arc's new partnership with Lids stores nationwide and how your chapter can get involved, and to discuss how was to engage with your Members of Congress during August recess. Register here to learn more!
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