In the Driver's Seat

Web based service that provides support for people with disabilities & families so that they can navigate & utilize Self-Directed options.

[Jay Ruderman @JayRuderman]

#TuesdayThought: Prioritizing mental health is not a luxury, but a necessity. Just as we care for our physical well-being, nurturing our minds and emotions is essential for a balanced and fulfilling life.

[Senator Jeremy Cooney @SenatorCooney]

Proudly wearing orange today in support of an 8.5% COLA for NYS human services and mental health workers (“O” agencies). This increase is long overdue and must be included in this year’s budget!

@NYSPEF @DDAWNY_ @peopleincnews @HolyChildhood

[Joyce Steel @jasteel222]

Every. Single. Time. The burden of balancing either the @NYSOPWDD budget or the NYS budget means less services for people with I/DD & their families. @GovKathyHochul, you can do better! @SenJohnMannion

[In the Driver's Seat @IDSRoc]

❗️👇🏼❗️👇🏼❗️👇🏼❗️

[New York Disability Advocates @NYDisabilityAdv]

Advocacy Alert ‼️

On Monday, NYDA & its partners will be online urging
@GovKathyHochul & the State legislature to include an 8.5% COLA in this year's final budget. Help us take action by spreading our message & sharing your stories! Learn more: https://t.co/Z2q3uuV9Wx

[In the Driver's Seat @IDSRoc]

@JayRuderman @Variety @MarleeMatlin @TroyKotsur @TheAcademy @AcademyMuseum @jimmykimmel While I agree that the Oscars are becoming more accessible & inclusive, singing hbd to James Martin & not giving him the same opportunity as other winners to thank the Academy - was ableist, wreaked of infantilism & disability porn. (Check out Stella Young’s TED Talk. )

[DDAWNY @DDAWNY_]

@AndreaSCousins
please maintain your support for us during the final budget negotiations. Please keep it up too @SenKennedy @SenatorCooney @SenSeanRyan @SenatorBrouk
& our CNY & "Upstate" friends
@RachelMayNY
@SenJohnMannion
@SenatorLeaWebb
@SenatorHinchey
@SenatorBreslin

[NY Caring Majority 🍎 @CaringMajority]

While @GovKathyHochul's proposed budget freezes home care wages & worsens the state's worker shortage, the legislature understands higher wages are the only solution to New York's home care crisis.

#FairPay4HomeCare One-House Budget🧵

[Wade Henderson @Wade4Justice]

via @NYTimes. One of the greatest civil and human rights activists of our time has died. Judy Heumann made change when many thought it was impossible. She lived an extraordinary life! It’s an honor and a blessing to have known her. Rest in Peace and Power! https://t.co/KSSU9yMvoD

[In the Driver's Seat @IDSRoc]

Rest in Power ♥️ @judithheumann

[Marlee Matlin @MarleeMatlin]

Judith Heumann was a fearless champion for the rights of people with disabilities in our nation and around the world and millions of people who have faced barriers owe her a debt of gratitude. I will always remember her as my hero and my friend. RIP Judy Heumann 🤟🏻 #beingheumann

[Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright @SeawrightForNY]

NYers serving people with #IDD are falling further behind the cost of living, & turnover is sky-high. As Assembly Cmte on People w Disabilities Chair, I pressed @NYSOPWDD for bigger COLAs, better pay to stabilize this vital workforce. https://t.co/LhnDhmAMtr

[Congressman John W. Mannion @JohnMannionNY22]

It's crystal clear from today's testimony that the proposed 2.5% COLA isn't nearly enough to address the systemic workforce shortage

I'll be fighting to make that 8.5% - these workers deserve a decent wage for providing services that allow so many to live with respect & dignity

[New York Disability Advocates @NYDisabilityAdv]

THANK YOU to all who joined us in Albany yesterday to show lawmakers that the I/DD community has a voice and we’re not afraid to speak up!

This rally has come to an end, but our work isn’t over. We’ll keep making noise until we secure the funding our community needs & deserves!

[Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright @SeawrightForNY]

It's #NationalCaregiversDay. But with vacancies mounting & turnover skyrocketing, we must honor those caring for the most vulnerable NYers, not just with words, but deeds! Social services workers, whether at government or non-profit agencies, must be able to earn a decent living.

[Community Place @CommPlaceGR]

It's going to be cold this weekend - make sure you are prepared and don't forget to check on others.

[NYS Senator Samra Brouk @SenatorBrouk]

We had an important discussion this morning with representatives from Healthy Minds/Healthy Kids and BIPOC PEEEEEEK on the disparities and inequities in services related to the emotional and behavioral health of our children. Thank you for visiting!

[WXXI News @WXXINews]

Who feeds school kids? Cafeteria workers tend to be older, and many left the workforce due to COVID-19 and health problems. It's been hard to fill the jobs, which don't pay well on average - about $30,000/year in New York.

[New York Disability Advocates @NYDisabilityAdv]

Congratulations to @SenJohnMannion on his re-election victory! Senator Mannion has long been a strong advocate for the I/DD community and we look forward to continuing our work to ensure the future viability of the I/DD service sector.

[Disability & Philanthropy Forum @DisPhilanthropy]

"15% of the global population, have a disability; 80% of persons with disabilities live in the developing world. It is critical to understand their experiences of and feedback on programs to capture the full evaluation picture." https://t.co/pafhgNUmQN

[The Children's Agenda @childrensagenda]

Thousands of New York infants & toddlers with developmental delays & disabilities are waiting for therapeutic services they need because of a shortage of providers.

Often, the time they wait violates their federal rights. Lost time means lost growth at a critical time of life.

[New York Disability Advocates @NYDisabilityAdv]

Thank you, @MikeMartucciNY for recognizing the dire workforce crisis facing the I/DD community and supporting much-needed investments that will ensure provider agencies can offer fair wages to the essential direct support staff who care for NY's most vulnerable.