EEDA's Self Advocates and Staff Members Join OPWDD Stakeholders in the War Room at Capital in Albany

November 17, 2022 | Albany, NY

As the world is currently experiencing Stagflation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, East End Disability Associates' Self Advocates and staff members are focused on using their empowering voices to speak up on the Direct Support Professional (DSP) wage crisis.

EEDA's self advocates and staff members accompanied OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) Stakeholders from across New York State in the War Room at the Capital in Albany. Together, they waived their bright and impactful posters, and chanted with the crowd about the DSP wage crisis. Some signs read, "RAISE THE WAGE!" or, "Fund The Future of Caregiving!" to help raise awareness and be advocates for this ongoing wage shortage. 

The primary purpose of this rally was to urge New York State's Governor, Kathy Hochul, and State lawmakers to include an 8.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and enhancements to Direct Support Professional's salaries in the next State Budget. Within the rally, EEDA's own, Matthew Kuriloff, stood loud and proud while he announced his speech.

Check out EEDA at the Rally by clicking here.