Advocacy Committee

On October 7th, the CCO Collaborative Council (representatives from 7 CCO Member and Family Councils) met to discuss issues specific to the workforce crisis, a primary focus of LIFEPlan MFA advocacy efforts this year. After Senator Mannion’s September hearing on the workforce crisis,  he proposed an additional $500 million dollars in funds to address the living wage issue. Learn more about what a living wage is in NYS (New York State) look here. 

Several workforce advocacy campaigns launched in October, including the one-click advocacy campaign Rise UP! a letter writing campaign initiated by self-advocate and current President of SANYS, BJ Stasio. Stasio has partnered with The ARC of NY to gather 10,000 letters telling stories of difficulty and suffering of families affected by the DSP work shortage.  

LIFEPlan and other CCO’s plan to support his efforts by cross promoting this campaign and sending a letter to Governor Hochul. The LIFEPlan MFA Advocacy Committee has sent this letter on behalf of the Council Community.

Communities of Practice

New Parent to Parent group focused on residential settings. 
In response to feedback from our MFA Community, the Member Engagement team will be collaborating with NYS Parent to Parent to engage Council members in a support group for those interested in discussing their experiences with residential settings. This monthly opportunity meets virtually, and is open to the LIFEPlan community. This support group is for those currently in a residential school or supported home. A second group may be established for those yet to enter the residential system.

Education

Partnership with the Kennedy-Willis Center during Down Syndrome month.

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. As with many genetic disabilities, those with Down syndrome face unique challenges. Recent research has shown that some individuals with DS may experience early signs of dementia. This month, LIFEPlan hosted two educational events with the Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome to discuss this.

Director Brittany Goodrich discussed the Centers goal of creating meaningful lives for children and adults with Down syndrome and other related intellectual disabilities. Brittany was joined by Dr. E. Adel Herge, Associate Professor and Director of the BSMS OT Program at Thomas Jefferson University. Their presentation addressed strategies that support participation in meaningful activities for aging adults with intellectual disabilities. Learn more here.