Advocacy Center
Parent Advocacy is the most important advocacy of all!
For 853 and 4410 schools, the key question to ask legislators is “If I pay the same taxes as every other New Yorker, why is my child’s school not funded in the same way?” Brookville Center for Children’s Services (BCCS) is composed of Early Intervention services, 4410 special-education preschools, 853 state-approved school-age programs, and includes home services for preschool and school age, Children’s Residential Program as well as respite and recreation programs.
No One Should Go Hungry
On Saturday, Nov. 1: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are set to end, unless Congress acts. Federal funding must be set before New York State can offer support.
–If you or someone you know needs help finding meals, visit https://whyhunger.org/.
–Let’s stand together and tell Congress to fund SNAP NOW: https://action.thearc.org/uR8Uabh.
–For more information about how SNAP works, check out this overview.
Tell Congress: Restore the Office of Special Education Programs
Staff cuts at the U.S. Department of Education have significantly weakened the offices that protect the rights of students with disabilities. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) now has very few workers left, with only a small group in charge of the country’s special education and rehabilitation programs.
—Learn more
—Take action
Support Special Education During Federal Budget Process
A government shutdown is underway as Congress debates federal cuts for the fiscal year beginning October 1. The President’s budget proposes consolidating IDEA funding streams, including preschool special education and parent support—making it harder for children and families to access timely services. It also proposes cutting key DD Act programs that advance inclusion, advocacy, and community life. Now is the time to share your support for children’s services.
—Take action
Protect Medicaid for I/DD Services
The “One Big, Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) Act has been signed into law—bringing with it significant cuts to federal Medicaid funding. This is a deeply disappointing moment. Medicaid is a lifeline for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, making possible the services and supports that foster independence, inclusion, and quality of life. Thank you for raising your voice these past few weeks. Your advocacy matters. Now is the time to rest, regroup, and return ready to continue the fight for disability rights together.
—Learn more about the “One Big, Beautiful Act.”
–Connect with elected officials on how they voted.
The Impact on State Services
The passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is expected to prompt significant changes in the New York State Legislature, as leaders work to address the impact of cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential programs affecting vulnerable New Yorkers.
Governor Hochul recently issued a statement about New York’s response to OBBB. In a recent LinkedIn post, OPWDD Commissioner Baer explained, “New federal cuts undermine our ability to provide the greatest quality support for people with developmental disabilities, removing the very safety net health services and benefits people with developmental disabilities rely on for physical wellness and safety in the community. Our resolve and our advocacy for the disability community, however, will only continue to grow.”
Updates are anticipated in the FY2025–26 Budget by the NYS Legislature in the coming months. View the original budget and stay tuned for ways to advocate for programs that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Stay Connected
—Set up a “lobby visit” with your representatives. Tips available here.
–Sign up for our Regional Advocacy Groups―to connect with fellow advocates and educate candidates on both sides of the aisle about disability rights.
—Share Brookville Center’s social media posts dedicated to advocacy on Facebook and Instagram.
—Parent Video Training. “Learning About the State of Education (NYS 853 & 4410).” Educators and advocates from The InterAgency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies (IACNY) offers insight into the current service obstacles of 4410 and 853 schools; share October 2022 survey results from education providers; and actionable advocacy steps.