Advocacy

There is a lot to advocate for these days! We are fortunate to have a voice for the things we care about.

STOP THE CUTS!

Racker has joined with Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State, together with IAC and other partners in support of NYDA’s priorities to combat harmful cuts to essential services. Our supporters have sent more than 30,000 messages so far, but our work isn’t done. Here’s what you can do:

  • Send this link – www.cpstate.org/advocacy – to your parents, staff, self- and other advocates, and ask them to flood the inboxes of their elected officials.
  • Share the link on your social media channels.
  • Ask your supporters to enhance the message with their personal stories of how cuts will affect them.

Use the one click advocacy tool (also available below) to generate a message to be sent to US Senators, US Representatives, and NYS Governor Cuomo. A draft, customizable letter and phone script is pre generated, and the tool automatically pairs the user with their state and federal reps.

You can indicate if you are a parent, a family member, caregiver, or other support of a person with intellectual or developmental disability. Emotion is very powerful, but we ask that you be emotional and factual. Provide detail, without exaggeration, about how the vacancy rate cuts would affect you and others. 

Share the link on your social media channels.

Here’s a sample post: Devastating cuts to disability services were enacted on October 1. We’ve been neglected during this pandemic and now $265 million in cuts and withheld funding is threatening the very existence of providers who support New Yorkers with I/DD and their families. But this isn’t over. We still have a voice and we need your help. Go to https://bit.ly/33lkZFn to send the message to the Governor and other representatives demanding that disability services be fully funded.

Why Is Advocacy Important?

New York State, people with disabilities and their families have rights and opportunities. However, people looking to exercise these rights or access available opportunities must be proactive, and that takes time and effort. Family members of people with disabilities know that you must work to obtain what your family member with a disability and your family need. Research your rights and where to access the supports, services and opportunities you need and then actively seek out the appropriate officials, state agencies and other organization to obtain the supports for you or your family member. This frequently requires face-to-face meetings, often with people who are busy and overworked. You will sometimes need to be persistent in advocating for what you, your loved one and your family require.For more information about advocacy efforts in New York State visit the New York Disability Advocates website.

One Click Advocacy and Petition Tool