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YAI Long Island staff and people we support recently joined forces with other local NY agencies to call to action investing in the future of people with I/DD and the staff who support them. The bipartisan rally on March 8 advocated for a 3.2% COLA and $4,000 DSP wage increase in the NYS budget.
Attendees from Brentwood Day Hab and the WAVE prevocational program rallied at the New York State Office Building in Hauppauge, New York. There was one thing on the agenda: "Be fair to direct care!"
“We are always trying to teach the people we support about advocating for themselves, so this was a really good way to show them how they can have an impact, not only in their program and lives, but also in the lives of their staff,” said Ryan Leavens, an Assistant Behavioral Intervention Supervisor at Brentwood Day Hab.
Groups from various agencies, including YAI, stood outside holding colorful signs raised up high while chanting “I’m worth more,” and “Bring everyone back to program.”
“It was nice seeing everyone from Long Island there,” said Nick Buonasera, a day hab attendee.
Raymond Callender, a WAVE attendee said, “It was amazing to see so many people coming together to advocate for a better life for us and our DSPs [Direct Support Professionals].”
One thing is certain – advocacy efforts for DSPs are unwavering and people we support will continue to advocate for quality services to better their lives and the lives of the staff who support them.
“I just really hope we can have something better for tomorrow and plan for a better future for them,” said Leavens. “I’ve been with YAI for 10 years now and I hope staff will see a future in this work and realize it’s something worth fighting for.”