Aspire of WNY Hosts Legislative Roundtable Session to Advocate for IDD Community Needs

Aspire of WNY recently hosted a Legislative Roundtable in partnership with Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York (DDAWNY), bringing together local policymakers, agency leaders, and advocates to discuss critical issues affecting the broader intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) community. This collaborative effort was an opportunity to present legislative priorities for the upcoming session in Albany, emphasizing the need for meaningful action and funding.

The roundtable included prominent legislators such as Senator Patrick Gallivan, Senator Sean Ryan, and Assemblymembers William Conrad, Jonathan Rivera, Karen McMahon, Angelo Morinello, and Paul Bologna, along with representatives from their offices. The participation of DDAWNY’s Executive Directors and other local agency leaders strengthened the conversation.

The event was kicked off with a powerful video created by SASi, showcasing the demanding responsibilities of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in the field. From administering medications and using assistive equipment like Hoyer lifts to providing transportation and emotional support, the video offered a vivid picture of the essential roles DSPs play.

The roundtable highlighted the need for an increase in state-wide funding for IDD service providers through compelling personal stories. Kristy P., a group home resident supported by Aspire of WNY, described how high staff turnover disrupts her sense of stability and independence. “How can a house feel like a home, when there is always new staff coming in and out?” Kristy bravely shares.  She explains how the lack of consistent staffing prevents her ability to visit her husband and often leaves her feeling vulnerable during personal care moments.

A father of a young woman who has Autism spoke about the emotional and physical toll on families, particularly as they age. Placing a framed photo of his daughter beside him, he illustrated the weight of these concerns and the need for dependable care for his daughter’s future.

Latrice McClure, Senior Assistant Director of Residential Services at Community Services for Every1 and a former DSP, shared the challenging realities of DSP work, from living on unsustainable wages due to the lack of state funding to managing trauma. She recounted the trauma that DSPs may often face, as well stories of colleagues experiencing homelessness despite working full-time in the field.

Jeff Patterson, CEO of SASi, visually demonstrated the severity of the DSP pay gap using wooden building blocks. This impactful illustration underscored the urgent need for a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to support fair wages and retain essential staff.

Aspire of WNY’s CEO, Renee Filip, concluded the event with a rallying call for legislative support. She emphasized the need for an investment in our industry in the Governor’s budget, highlighting disparities in funding for Special Education compared to public schools.

The legislators applauded the compelling testimonies and agreed on the importance of addressing these issues. Senator Gallivan stressed the power of personal stories in advocacy, and others acknowledged the need for statewide collaboration to amplify the voices of DSPs and those they support.

“As we move forward, we must ensure that our DSPs are given the respect and compensation they deserve,” said Renee Filip, CEO of Aspire of WNY. “The stories shared today are not just personal—they reflect a widespread issue that impacts thousands of families and individuals across New York. We are committed to advocating for the changes that will make a real difference in the lives of those we support, and the dedicated professionals who care for them.”

This Legislative Roundtable was an important step in advocating for change, but the work is far from over. As Aspire of WNY prepares to bring these stories to Albany, we encourage our community to join us in advocating for a COLA adjustment and other crucial measures.