Albany, NY (March 17, 2026) – Last week, hundreds of advocates rallied at the New York State Capitol calling on lawmakers to include a 4% targeted inflationary increase (TII) and CareForce affordability initiatives for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in this year’s state budget to strengthen support for the more than 130,000 New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who rely on these services. Advocates welcomed the inclusion of a 4% TII in both the Senate and Assembly one-house budget proposals, noting the investment would help close the inflation gap.
Organized by New York Disability Advocates (NYDA)—a statewide coalition of more than 300 nonprofit providers supporting individuals with I/DD—the rally brought together Disabilities Committee Chairs Senator Fahy and Assemblymember Santabarbara, legislators, individuals with I/DD, their Direct Support Professionals, family members, and nonprofit providers from across the state to urge critical state investments to stabilize New York’s disability care system. Advocates warned that rising inflation and national policy changes are placing growing strain on disability services, making it harder for nonprofit providers to sustain programs and maintain the DSP workforce that delivers essential care.
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“New Yorkers with disabilities deserve to live and thrive in their communities, and we must strengthen the workforce that supports them every day,” said Senator Patricia Fahy, Chair of the Senate Disabilities Committee. “Including a 4% targeted inflationary increase in this year’s state budget will help nonprofit providers keep pace with rising costs and sustain the critical workforce that people with disabilities depend on. Direct Support Professionals suffer from low wages, burnout, and turnover that threatens the very care system we are seeking to stabilize. We must advance CareForce affordability initiatives that make it easier for Direct Support Professionals to afford housing, childcare, and healthcare so they can continue serving our communities.”
“As both a legislator and a father of a child with a disability, I know how critical these services are for families across New York,” said Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara, Chair of the Assembly Committee on People with Disabilities. “This budget is our opportunity to make sure providers have the resources they need and that the workforce supporting people with disabilities is strong and sustainable. When we invest in these services, we’re investing in dignity, independence, and opportunity for thousands of New Yorkers.”
“Direct Support Professionals provide essential care that allows New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live and thrive in their communities,” said Senator Jacob Ashby. “A 4% targeted inflationary increase will help nonprofit providers manage rising costs and maintain the services that families across our state depend on. Coupled with CareForce affordability initiatives, these investments will help strengthen and stabilize the workforce that delivers this critical support.”
“New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve reliable, high-quality support that allows them to live with dignity and independence in their communities,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Mental Health. “I’m so pleased that the Assembly and Senate budget resolutions included a funding increase for nonprofit providers to provide fairer workforce wages and keep pace with rising costs. We hope the Governor supports this much-needed relief for vulnerable New Yorkers. Thank you CareForce and the advocates for pushing this agenda forward and strengthening the workforce that makes community-based care possible.”
“People with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve reliable access to the services that allow them to live safely and independently in their communities,” said Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio. “Including a 4% targeted inflationary increase in this year’s state budget will help nonprofit providers keep pace with rising costs and maintain the programs families rely on. Investing in CareForce affordability initiatives will also help ensure Direct Support Professionals have the stability they need to continue delivering the high-quality care New Yorkers depend on.”
“Direct Support Professionals play an essential role in helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live full and independent lives,” said Assemblymember Karen McMahon. “Including a 4% targeted inflationary increase – as called for in the Assembly budget resolution – will help providers manage rising costs and sustain critical services. Pairing that investment with CareForce affordability initiatives will help stabilize the workforce that supports New Yorkers with disabilities every day.”
“Direct Support Professionals are the backbone of New York’s disability service system, but too many are struggling to afford the basics despite the essential work they do,” said Mike Alvaro, President of New York Disability Advocates. “A 4% targeted inflationary increase is needed for nonprofit providers to keep pace with rising costs, and we appreciate that both the Senate and Assembly one-house budgets propose that investment to help close the inflation gap. Pairing that commitment with CareForce affordability initiatives—like housing, childcare, and healthcare supports—will help stabilize the workforce and protect services for New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
Advocates said including a 4% targeted inflationary increase and CareForce affordability initiatives in the FY2027 state budget would help nonprofit providers keep pace with rising costs and stabilize the Direct Support Professional workforce that supports more than 130,000 New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities statewide.
To address these challenges, NYDA is urging state leaders to include the following priorities in the FY2027 state budget:
4% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) for Nonprofit Disability Providers
Without a 4% increase, funding will continue to lag behind the actual cost of delivering services, leaving nonprofit providers unable to sustain programs or meet the growing needs of New Yorkers with I/DD.
In addition, Care Coordination Organizations (CCOs) must be restored as eligible programs under the TII. Doing so is critical to preserving person-centered planning, service navigation, and coordination of medical and behavioral healthcare for individuals with I/DD—services that are foundational to quality outcomes and cost-effective care.
CareForce Affordability Initiatives
Direct Support Professionals play a critical role in helping people with disabilities live independently and participate fully in their communities. Yet growing affordability challenges continue to impact the workforce, with half of DSPs experiencing food and housing insecurity.
NYDA is proposing the following measures to support the DSP workforce, many of whom are women of color:
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A CareForce Affordable Housing Lottery Preference (S.8676)
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An Employer-Assisted Housing Matching Grant Program (S.8672)
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SONYMA CareForce homeownership incentives (S.8675)
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Enhancement of the New York Child and Dependent Care Credit
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Restoration of OPWDD Healthcare Enhancement
As demand for services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities continues to grow, staffing shortages remain a major barrier preventing provider agencies from meeting community needs. A 4% targeted inflationary increase combined with CareForce affordability initiatives will help stabilize New York’s disability care system and strengthen the Direct Support Professional workforce that people with disabilities rely on every day.
About New York Disability Advocates
New York Disability Advocates (NYDA) is a statewide coalition of more than 300 non-profit organizations providing vital services and support to more than 130,000 New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Across the state, these non-profit organizations provide comprehensive and individualized supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through their lifespan and in all areas of their lives—including residential and day services, employment opportunities, physical and behavioral health services, community integration and much more.
