Thank you!
State Assemblymember Sarah Clark
The Arc of Monroe is excited to bring you in to visit and tour one of our Day Habilitation programs or one of our 29 residential homes.
Thank you for meeting with us on March 26th to talk about the restrictions that have been placed on the COLA as well as the DSWE in Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2025 budget.
Supporting people with IDD means advocating for them and their rights each and every day. We are so thankful that you support us!
Medicaid Update:
When people with disabilities get access to health care and other disability services, they can live independent lives. Right now, The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the spending legislation known as the “Big Beautiful Bill Act.” This bill includes major federal budget changes, with particularly concerning implications for Medicaid-funded services that support people with disabilities.
If passed by the Senate, the bill could lead to deep cuts in Medicaid, threatening the essential supports that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on to live, work and thrive in their communities. These proposed changes would not just impact systems- they would impact lives.
While this marks a critical step in the legislative process, the ill has not yet become law. It must still pass through the U.S. Senate, where debate is ongoing. Their goal is to have a decision by July 4th. We remain committed to advocating against any legislation that undermines the rights, independence and lives of people with disabilities.
Click the button below to see The Arc of Monroe’s position statement.
We appreciate your support and partnership!
Meet Bekka Fifield
You may have come across our recent commercial that highlights a fundamental belief we hold dear at The Arc of Monroe: people with disabilities are, first and foremost, people. This simple yet profound truth shapes everything we do. As the Advocacy Manager, I have the privilege of working directly with our self-advocates, empowering them to take an active role in fighting for their rights alongside our agency. Together, we are advancing the critical message that disability rights are not separate or secondary – they are, without question, human rights. Our work is about breaking down barriers, challenging misconceptions, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a full and inclusive life.
Contact Bekka via email or phone to learn more about Advocacy and the Arc Alliance at The Arc of Monroe:
rfifield@arcmonroe.org
(315)955-9310
Arc Alliance Self Advocacy
Arc Alliance is a self advocacy group organized by The Arc of Monroe that is comprised of people with disabilities. The group meets monthly to talk about the latest issues that people with disabilities face in their communities, as well as practical solutions to bring meaningful change.
In 2023, the incredible efforts of this group were recognized statewide as Arc Alliance was named Group of the Year for both the Western/Finger Lakes Region and New York State by the Self Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS).
Want to get involved?
The group is open to anyone in the greater Rochester area! Members do not need to receive services from The Arc of Monroe to be part of Arc Alliance. Email Bekka Fifield to learn about how to join.