Today family members of individuals with developmental disabilities invited their legislative representatives to attend a breakfast meeting in Cheektowaga.
The Development Disability Alliance of Western New York hosted the event at the Millennium Hotel.
Several important issues impacting hundreds of Western New Yorkers with disabilities were discussed.
The top three issues were lack of housing, public transportation, and jobs for individuals in the community. According to the organization, 11,000 New Yorkers are on waiting lists for groups homes/independent living.
Another issue is the vacancy rates for direct support service professionals. It is now over 30% in Western New York and across New York State. Average salary wages for direct support professionals are well below the federal poverty level.
DDAWNY has started a #bFair2DirectCare Campaign in efforts to secure a living wage for the caregivers who are taking care of individuals with disabilities.
7 Eyewitness News reached out to Governor Cuomo's Office for comment and we are waiting to hear back.
