“For too long, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), along with the dedicated direct-support professionals (DSP) supporting them, have been in the shadows. They need quality care, fair raises and they need it now,” DeStefano said. “The governor’s 1.5% cost of living adjustment is not enough and avoiding a fair and necessary adjustment for an entire decade is undeniably unjust. I support the fight to get a 3.2% adjustment and a $4,000 direct-support enhancement to correct years of neglect during inflation and economic hardship.

“Our DSPs do not do easy work. Pay them what they are worth, it’s as simple as that. Decent salaries for every New Yorker are a priority, especially when it comes to investing in I/DD support. Supporting individuals with disabilities means supporting our DSPs, because without them, this system wouldn’t work,” DeStefano concluded.