Providers of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are facing a critical workforce shortage, which needs immediate action by our federal representatives.

Through The ARC's national advocacy, we have influenced the creation of the Better Care Better Jobs Act (BCBJA) and are asking our New York state congressional representatives to sponsor this important legislation.

This is a once in a generation opportunity to transform the care economy infrastructure for all New Yorkers, while providing increased wages and opportunities for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), who are the backbone of the system of supports and services that people with I/DD and their families depend on.

A recent survey conducted by the New York state provider community found that the average vacancy rate of staffing is almost 25%, with 93% of providers seeing reduction in job applicants in the first quarter of 2021. This is not just a crisis; it is an emergency.

DSPs are essential workers who provide daily care, services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Let's support them by speaking out and standing up!

Supporting people with I/DD means supporting those who provide services day in and day out. Please fill in the fields to the right and let your voice be heard!

If you would like to write your own letter in opposition to the occupancy and vacancy rate cuts, we have provided the sample letter here for you to mail on your own.

Click the button below to directly send Rep. Chris Jacobs, R-NY; Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY and  Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY a message by using this online form. You may customize the form with your name.