Amplifying the voices and needs of people with disabilities has always been a central component of the CP Unlimited mission. In fact, the organization was founded on a platform of advocacy by a group of parents of children with cerebral palsy seeking broader recognition and more investment in services. After the closing of Willowbrook in the 1970’s, CP Unlimited took in a great many of its former residents and worked to ensure that the issues that led to its shuttering would never be replicated.
Today, CP Unlimited is a partner in advocacy for all peoples with disabilities as well as for those entrusted with their care. Our work in this area emphasizes increased funding and access for the disability field and centers the narratives of our self-advocates and our committed team to emphasize the impact of focused action. The result has been deeper public awareness, a more open pipeline of communications, grants, and other funding, and most importantly a more diverse range of services and options for people with I/DD.
Traveling With Dignity Act (Bill # 7697)
“People with differing abilities should be able to participate in the same activities, day trips and excursions that are available to everybody, and the best way to effectuate this is to provide as many adult changing areas and disability-friendly rest areas as possible. This common-sense legislation simply focuses on these accommodations, which will benefit residents and visitors alike. By providing safer, more sanitary spaces for caregivers and family members to aid adults in need of assistance, we are also elevating the respect and dignity these community members are well deserving of.” -Senator Peter Harckham
With roughly 257,000 New Yorkers who use wheelchairs and 68,000 who use power chairs, these are accessibility improvements that will make a real difference in the lives of a significant number of our neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family.
“When I learned about the challenges some of our constituents experienced in traveling to Albany to meet with their elected representatives, I knew something had to be done. The bipartisan ‘Traveling with Dignity Act’ is a common-sense reform that provides the disability community with the respect and independence they deserve. By offering safe and sanitary facilities in most public rest areas we can support individuals with differing abilities, as well as the caregivers who may travel with them. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to push this much-needed legislation over the finish line.” -Senator Rob Rolison
See the full, updated text of the Traveling with Dignity Act >>
Cost of Living Allowances & Direct Wage Enhancement for Direct Support Professionals
All of what we do is motivated by our mission to provide people with I/DD opportunities to achieve a fulfilling life, and we know that this work is carried forth by a team of almost 3,000 people working together in support of that goal.
As such, we will always sponsor channels that bring our team the recognition they truly deserve for the vital work they perform. In practice, this means frequent trips around New York City and to Albany, New York for rallies to garner attention and support.
In March 2023, the CP Unlimited team counted over more than ten dozen colleagues in one place delivering a message of hope and a request for increased funding for Direct Support Professionals and others in the I/DD field throughout the State.
In February 2024, the CP Family brought another large contingent (150+ strong) to Albany for the first rally of the year in support of a 3.2% Cost of Living Allowance and $4,000 Direct Wage Enhancement for DSPs across the state, alongside the passing of the Traveling with Dignity Act.
In April 2024, more than 125 CP team members joined voices to demand greater investment and funding for our Direct Support Professionals and the I/DD field. Read a letter from the CP Board of Directors in support of the 3.2% Cost of Living Allowance and $4,000 Direct Wage Enhancement for DSPs.
"Acutely Advancing Advocacy" on Staten Island Disability News
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Read a poem by Ann Whitty, self-advocate on Staten Island, about her needs.
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With NYS Senator Roxanne Persaud after a meeting to discuss the needs of our DSPs
Effecting Change Through Public Policy
Penny Pagliaro, Executive Director, and Christine Mattson, Associate Executive Director of CP Unlimited’s Hudson Valley Division led a well-attended panel on Effecting Change Through Public Policy at the ANCOR Connect 2024 conference, building on our work supporting the “Traveling with Dignity” Act and other legislative and community action.
Many attendees shared how helpful the presentation was in providing a framework for change to bring back to their districts. As part of our Advocacy work, the CP team sees our local successes as an expandable strategy to deepen impact more broadly. ANCOR Connect is just the latest platform where we can share our effective and inspirational tactics to be of benefit to people with disabilities nationwide.
