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.
Federal Issues
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.
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
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
Protect Medicaid for I/DD Services
The “One Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) 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. Your advocacy matters and must continue at the federal level and now the state too, as we must ensure the upcoming NYS budget reductions for FY27 keep pace with current need.
—Learn more about the “One Big, Beautiful Act.”
State Issues
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 children and adults with developmental disabilities and delays. Looking ahead to New York State’s FY27 budget, we’re planning to advocate for:
–A 2.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) to ensure funding accounts for the increased cost of living and providing services.
–The Careforce Affordability Initiative to support affordable housing, childcare and healthcare for direct care staff.
–Infrastructure Investments to ensure funding accounts for the increased cost of living and providing services to maintain facilities, meet state climate goals, and support innovative services.
—Share your support.
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.