Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday a new partnership between New York State, Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), and 11 Independent Living Centers (ILCs) to enhance the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). This collaboration, part of a broader effort to strengthen home care services, aims to ensure a seamless transition for CDPAP users ahead of the program’s April 1 deadline.
“Our statewide partnership will protect CDPAP and ensure continued access to high-quality home care for New Yorkers across the state,” Hochul said. “I’m pleased that independent living centers will play an important role as partners in this effort, as we create a better and stronger CDPAP for home care users and caregivers.”
The CDPAP program allows individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses to hire and direct their own caregivers, often family members or trusted individuals. Under the new plan, 11 ILCs, alongside over 30 other community-based partners, will collaborate with PPL to provide essential support services, including registration assistance, education, and advocacy for CDPAP participants.
The participating ILCs include AIM Independent Living Center, ARISE, Finger Lakes Independence Center, and Western New York Independent Living, among others. These disability-led organizations have decades of experience championing the rights and independence of New Yorkers with disabilities.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized the importance of this transition, stating, “Through this collaborative network, we are ensuring the future of CDPAP for generations to come.”
CDPAP consumers can now begin registering with PPL through several options: calling a dedicated support line, using the PPL website, or working directly with an approved CDPAP facilitator, including the 11 ILCs. The New York State Department of Health is overseeing the transition to ensure a smooth process for participants.
Lindsay Miller, Executive Director of the New York Association on Independent Living, praised the initiative, saying, “We commend the Governor’s commitment to ensuring that CDPAP consumers have access to the full spectrum of services Independent Living Centers provide, empowering people with disabilities to live independently in the community.”
The partnership also emphasizes accessibility and cultural sensitivity. Partner organizations operate nearly 100 offices across New York’s 62 counties and offer multilingual services to accommodate the state’s diverse population.
Kimberly Hill Ridley, New York’s Chief Disability Officer, highlighted the historical role of ILCs in shaping CDPAP, adding, “This partnership ensures the program’s mission remains focused on independence, dignity, and high-quality care for all participants.”
Governor Hochul’s announcement represents a significant step toward securing the future of home care services in New York, reinforcing the state’s commitment to supporting its most vulnerable residents.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].