Group homes for people with developmental disabilities have been closing across the state, due to staffing shortages.
Now, a Facebook page decrying the closings has come to the attention of State Senator John Mannion. WSYR-TV reports a group of families has created the New York Alliance for Developmental Disabilities.
“We have met several times and they’ve been very supportive. I’ve been supportive of them. They are a strong advocate to elevate the voices of families or individuals with disabilities for sure,” Senator Mannion said. Mannion chairs the Senate Committee on Disabilities. He’s calling for a cost of living increase for workers with the State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, which runs the homes. It would be the first in over ten years. He’s asking for $500 million in next year’s state budget for people with disabilities.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed four bills this week supporting the rights of people with disabilities.
