New York’s disability service system is facing a growing workforce crisis, with rising costs, staff shortages, and waitlists affecting families across the state. Today, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara – Chair of the Assembly Disabilities Committee – joined the New York Disability Advocates (NYDA), direct support professionals (DSPs), families, provider agencies, and local organizations including Wildwood Programs, Liberty ARC, and Living Resources at the State Capitol to call for urgent state investment.

Voluntary provider agencies deliver roughly 85% of all services for more than 140,000 New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). These agencies employ nearly 100,000 DSPs, yet statewide vacancy rates remain above 17%, and turnover exceeds 35% – leaving gaps in care for families who rely on consistent, essential supports.

Inflation has increased operating costs for providers by over 25% in the last five years, including major increases in food, transportation, insurance, utilities, and housing. Over that same period, state funding increases have totaled only 15.8%, forcing agencies to stretch every dollar to keep programs operating.

To address these challenges, NYDA is advancing the CareForce Affordability Agenda, a set of proposals designed to stabilize the system and strengthen the workforce. The agenda includes:

• A 2.7% targeted inflationary increase to keep pace with rising operational costs
• Affordability initiatives for DSPs, including housing incentives, childcare support, expanded tax credits, and improved access to healthcare coverage
• Infrastructure and system investments to modernize aging facilities, improve accessibility, upgrade homes, and support innovative service models

“To support people with disabilities, we must support the workers who care for them,” Santabarbara said. “DSPs are being pushed out of the field, providers are stretched thin, and families are waiting too long for essential services. New York must act now.”

Santabarbara emphasized that this year cannot be another year of incremental steps.

“Provider agencies need real support, DSPs deserve a path to stability, and families must have services they can depend on,” he added. “The disability community is speaking with one voice – and the state must respond.”

As a father of a son with autism, Santabarbara reaffirmed his longstanding commitment to advancing policies that strengthen disability services for families across New York.

“I will continue fighting for a system that helps people with disabilities live full, independent lives,” he said. “We cannot allow this system to fall behind.”