The New York State Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) staff. (Photo via the New York State Association on Independent Living).
Disability advocates are making a push today for increased funding in New York State’s Access to Home Program.
Advocates fighting for increased funding will be going through the State Capitol and legislative buildings in Albany today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
According to the state website, the Access to Home Program “provides financial assistance to make residential units accessible for low- and moderate-income persons with disabilities.”
“Assistance with the cost of adapting homes will enable individuals to safely and comfortably continue or return to live in their residences instead of residing in an institutional setting,” noted on the state website.
Disability advocates urged legislatures to increase funding by $10 million. The State Assembly proposed $1 million, while the State Senate proposed $3 million.
Blaise Bryant, communications specialist for the New York Association on Independent Living, mentioned that one in five New York state residents have a disability.
Bryant noted that Independent Living Centers are advocating to be included in the human services’ Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
COLA is “an increase in pay or benefits designed to keep up with the rising costs of goods and services due to inflation,” noted on the Social Security Administration website.
“We currently do not receive one because our funding comes from the state education budget,” Bryant said.
For more information on the New York Association on Independent Living, go to either organization’s website or Facebook page.
