New York is investing $25 million into healthcare infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving access and quality of care for people with developmental disabilities, with 30 projects funded statewide.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the awards Monday, targeting longstanding gaps in care for individuals who often face barriers finding providers equipped to meet their needs.
The funding, administered through the state Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, will support projects focused on expanding dental services, improving accessibility for patients with mobility challenges, creating sensory-friendly treatment environments and increasing access to specialized care in underserved areas.
State officials said the initiative is part of a broader effort to address health equity and modernize care settings for individuals with disabilities. Hochul said the investments are designed to support providers in making facility upgrades that directly impact patient experience and outcomes.
The largest single award — more than $5 million — was granted to New York University’s College of Dentistry to expand its Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities. The project will nearly double clinical capacity, add specialized treatment rooms and incorporate features designed to reduce anxiety and improve care for patients with autism and other developmental conditions.
Several projects across the Finger Lakes region also received funding, including initiatives at the University of Rochester, CP Rochester, the Rochester School of the Holy Childhood and Mozaic, all focused on improving access to dental and clinical services.
Lawmakers and state officials said the funding addresses persistent challenges, including a shortage of providers trained to care for patients with developmental disabilities and a lack of accessible facilities.
The initiative builds on proposals outlined in Hochul’s State of the State address and included in the current state budget, with projects spanning hospitals, community health centers and specialty clinics across New York.
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