To the Editor:
(Feb. 2015) I have two sons. Like all parents, I would like both of them to lead happy and full lives, with opportunity for learning, employment, and service to others. As parents, we spend years of time and energy to foster our children, and as high school ends they head off to college or employment or both.
Parents of children with developmental disabilities have these same goals for their kids. Yet the picture can be more complicated. Some developmentally disabled adults may not be able to secure employment in the competitive market. Some may need support in other areas too, particularly housing.
Governor Cuomo recently vetoed four bills pertaining to services for disabled people. Among other things, these vetoes mean the end of sheltered workshops in New York State. Sheltered workshops are small businesses run by not-for-profit agencies that provide employment in a caring environment for developmentally disabled people. Pursuant to our Governor’s policies, these sheltered workshops can no longer accept new employees and those currently working in these programs will not be able to continue.
These vetoes also mean no action to address housing needs for adults with developmental disabilities. Right now there are long waiting lists for supported apartments and group homes for adults with developmental disabilities in our state. Every person on the waiting list represents a family, often where parents of disabled people have been primary caregivers for decades. These parents may no longer able to provide direct care for their grown children. These families need our help.
My son Sam is a developmentally disabled autistic person. As Sam’s Mom, I serve as a member of the Board of Directors of The Arc of Madison Cortland. The Arc provides support services to more than 1000 families in the region. Next year my son will transition from the school environment to the working world. I understand the concerns and fears that ripple through our community.
The reforms and protections offered by these four bills would help all families to know that our disabled members have healthy options and the best opportunities to be active members of the community. Families cannot be caregivers forever. I hope you will join me in asking Governor Cuomo to reconsider.
Sincerely,
Maureen M. Louis
Cazenovia, NY