IMPORTANT, EXCITING STATE-WIDE NEWS:
NYC FAIR Executive Committee Comments on the Buffalo Lawsuit

We have become aware of the recent filing of a lawsuit in Federal court in Buffalo to address the lack of residential options for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. As advocates, we support the people who have taken this action, and know that they have done so to ensure that their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life is protected.

In February the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities reported that there are more than more than 11,000 people statewide who need long term housing and will not be able to live independently due to their Developmental Disability. New York State reported that 46% of these people live with a family caregiver who is 60 years old or over; 61% of caregivers are experiencing health issues themselves; and 48% of those at home need assistance with almost all basic activities.

It appears that New York State’s housing strategy for people with Developmental
Disabilities is crisis management; the state responds when the caregiver dies, is unable to, or refuses to care for their loved one. As advocates, we recognize that moving their loved one is one of the most difficult decisions that a family can make, but one that all caregivers will face one day. The best outcomes for our loved ones occur when caregivers are healthy and able to plan for this this move, with the state providing adequate supports and services to meet their needs.

We recognize the substantial need that exists to identify long term housing options for a continuum of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. It is for that reason there must be a variety of options including intensive support for those with the most complex needs.

It is unfortunate that families are faced with such uncertainty, and we applaud this group of families and their courage in taking this action.

Read the story as reported by the Buffalo News on September 13, 2016:
http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/federal-court/parents-lawsuit-blames-state-for-shortage-of-group-homes-20160913

More Information : Read the complaint-class-action and memo-of-law-in-support-of-class-certa class action if you want to see all the details.