Advocacy Center
- Urgent: Protect Medicaid for I/DD Services – Share Your Story Today
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a budget resolution that paves the way for Medicaid cuts. As Congress continues to consider legislation that could deeply reduce federal Medicaid funding, we must take action and make our voices heard. Medicaid is a lifeline for people with I/DD, providing critical services and support that promote independence, inclusion, and well-being.
- Take Action: Share Your Story
Personal stories are powerful tools in advocacy. By sharing your experience, you can help policymakers understand the real impact of Medicaid and why these services must be protected. Use our Share Your Story tool to tell us how Medicaid has made a difference in your life, your family’s life, or your community. Your voice matters—let’s stand together to protect Medicaid and the essential services it provides.
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.
Advance State Issues, Too!
For the 2025-26 NYS Budget, advocate for a:
-3.2% increase in annual growth for 4410 and 853 schools, to support the recruitment and retention of staff and cover inflationary costs
-Funding for School Districts to support students through the end of the year that they turn 22.
-Continuation of modifications until the new rate methodology is implemented: 1.) 60/40 Direct/Indirect Cost Screen; 2.) Interim plus including previous year; 3.) 5% Vacancy adjustment factor.
-7.8% increase in provider rates for DSP/non-executive wages and address inflation impacting benefits, maintenance, utilities, food, supplies, transportation and insurance.
Share your support with legislators.
Also, early intervention (EI) services need your support. New York State has not yet dispersed the 5% increase planned to start in April 2024. Early intervention services can help infants and toddlers with disabilities or delays to learn many key skills and catch up in their development. Also, the state Early Intervention (E.I.) Hub website, launched in October, reportedly has incidents of missing data and payments to providers.
Let state legislators know change is needed.
Stay Connected to State Legislators
—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.