TO: New York State Legislature, Governor's Office, and OPWDD Leadership

Families caring for loved ones with developmental disabilities face impossible barriers every single day. Because we care, we're fighting outdated regulations that prevent our family members from living with dignity, accessing fair housing support, and receiving the services they desperately need.

It's time for change. It's time for the "Because I Care Act."

 
THE PROBLEM
For 30 years, families in New York have been trapped by bureaucratic barriers, frozen allocations, and regulations that prioritize paperwork over people. While the cost of living has skyrocketed, support systems have remained stuck in the 1990s.

Here's what's broken:

⚠️ Housing discrimination - Families can't add their loved ones to property deeds after purchase, even though renters can be added to leases
⚠️ Funding withheld - OPWDD denies housing support unless families prove they can cover remaining costs
⚠️ Frozen budgets - Support allocations haven't increased in 30 years despite inflation
⚠️ Unpaid providers - Brokers work for free while other providers receive monthly fees
⚠️ Fear-based oversight - Agencies face enforcement without clear guidance
⚠️ Inadequate therapy access - Reimbursement rates are so low, qualified therapists won't accept them

These aren't just policy failures. They're barriers to dignity, independence, and quality of life for thousands of New Yorkers with disabilities.

 
THE SOLUTION: The "Because I Care Act"
We're calling for six critical reforms that will transform disability services in New York:

1. Housing Deed Flexibility
✅ Allow individuals to be added to property deeds after purchase, just like rental leases
✅ Enable people to contribute their fair share to family homes

2. OPWDD Housing Budget Independence
✅ End the requirement for "letters of support" proving additional funding
✅ OPWDD must pay its designated portion regardless of other funding sources

3. Increase IDGS OTPS and FRR caps in the budget
✅Allow caps to automatically float with future COLA increases adjust caps for OTPS, FRR, and IDGS categories (including subcaps like Memberships, Clothing) to catch up with recent COLA increases
✅ Provide realistic support for living expenses and respite care

4. Fair Broker Compensation
✅ Implement a flat $400 monthly fee for Self-Direction Brokers
✅ End unpaid work and enable professional development

5. Transform OPWDD to Assistance-Oriented
✅ Shift from enforcement to collaboration
✅ Create a legal advisory council for clear, binding guidance

6. Enhanced Therapy Reimbursement
✅ Reimburse 75% of actual therapy costs (not just the $45 OMH rate)
✅ Ensure access to quality, experienced therapists

 
WHY THIS MATTERS
💙 For Individuals: The right to live with dignity, contribute to their households, and access quality services

💙 For Families: Relief from impossible financial burdens and bureaucratic nightmares

💙 For Providers: Fair compensation and clear guidance to deliver better care

💙 For New York: A modern, compassionate disability services system that reflects our values

Every person with a disability deserves the opportunity to thrive. Every family deserves support, not barriers.

 
OUR DEMAND
We call on the New York State Legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul to:

✔️ Introduce and pass the "Because I Care Act" as comprehensive reform legislation
✔️ Direct OPWDD to implement these six policy changes immediately, where administrative action is possible
✔️ Allocate necessary funding in the 2026-2027 state budget
✔️ Establish a timeline for full implementation within 12 months

 
JOIN US
Because I care about my family member.
Because I care about fairness and dignity.
Because I care about making New York a leader in disability rights.

Sign this petition today and share it with everyone who believes in justice for people with disabilities.

Together, we can turn "Because I Care" from a statement into a law.

 
Petition Target:
New York State Legislature, Governor Kathy Hochul, OPWDD Commissioner