To: Governor Andrew Cuomo

OPWDD Services petition

The closures and downsizing of institutions has resulted in the dislocation of many vulnerable individuals from residences in which they have lived for years and has also contributed to the lack of available options for families on waiting lists looking for services.

Several facilities are slated to be closed in the future which would further reduce available services for families.

As residents of New York State and concerned citizens, we oppose the elimination of vital Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities state services.

Governor Cuomo, Please sign the OPWDD Continuity of Care bill. (A.7332 Lupardo / S.4094 Libous)

Why is this important?

Over the last two months, OPWDD has held transformation panel public forums throughout the state. Parents across the state expressed their concerns about their loved ones. There is an obvious need for community services however current community-based programs do not meet the range of services, quality of care and consistent workforce that state run facilities offer.

A.7332 / S.4094 would compel OPWDD to show a true commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities by allowing them a list of options that would include state-operated choices in all areas of the state and allocate the necessary resources to help them.

Please urge Governor Cuomo to sign the bill.