Shown above: NYS Senator Peter Harckham spends some time anserwing questions from our staff and the people attending programs.

We were honored to welcome NYS Senator Pete Harckham to our Ann Manzi Center in Mount Kisco. ⁠ He is now and has always been a vocal advocate for people with developmental disabilities.
This visit was a valuable opportunity to discuss with him the breadth and depth of supports the Arc Westchester provides, not only through Day Services like those provided at The Ann Manzi Center, but also early childhood services, residential supports, recreation & respite, career & employment opportunities, and guardianship.

The best part of the visit was that the people we support had the chance to voice their concerns about the devastating impact proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP would have on their lives. Together, we explored ways to protect these vital programs.

CEO Tibi Guzmán , along with leadership staff, had the opportunity to discuss the devastating impact that proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP would have on the essential services we provide every day. If Congress adopts the President’s proposal, it will eliminate funding for key programs under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act), including programs that support access to inclusive education, employment, community living, and more.

The proposal also includes policies that would weaken the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) by combining multiple funding streams into a single “block grant.” This change could lead to:

• Cuts to preschool programs for young children with disabilities.
• Reduced federal support for special education teachers, counselors, therapists, and paraprofessionals.
• Fewer training opportunities for school staff to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

We ask you to participate in our ONE-CLICK campaign and urge Congress to fully fund IDEA and DD Act programs. Let’s make sure people with disabilities have the support they need to live full and productive lives.

“Disabled Americans Fear What Medicaid Cuts Could Do to Them” The New York Times
This article focuses specifically on Home and Community-Based Services and speaks to the downstream consequences of cuts to Medicaid. Read here >