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Important 2026 State of the State Proposals for People with Disabilities

Dear Friends and Colleagues, 

Since taking office, Governor Hochul has kept her promise of a more inclusive New York for people with developmental disabilities by investing in programs that promote independence, inclusion and opportunity for all. Proposals announced as part of her 2026 State of the State build upon that work to ensure New Yorkers with developmental disabilities have access to healthcare and education, while living safely and affordably in their communities.  

Key proposals of the 2026 State of the State include:

  • A promise of Health Equity for New Yorkers with Disabilities by collecting and analyzing data about the health care experiences of people with disabilities to identify barriers to care and improve health outcomes.
  • Expanding the Rent Freeze Program for Seniors and People with Disabilities so that housing remains affordable for people living in regulated housing. Governor Hochul will increase the income eligibility limits for the programs from $50,000 to $75,000 in New York City, with the same options being available for local-opt in outside the City.
  • Expanding access to higher education through SUNY and CUNY by creating a for-credit inclusive post-secondary education at SUNY and CUNY campuses and directing SUNY and CUNY to partner with the State Education Department to develop a formal transition from high school to college for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
  • Establishing an Assistive Technology Innovation Center to support research, commercialization, and startups developing technologies that help people with disabilities and older adults live independently.
  • Expanding Access to State Lands for All New Yorkers by making our parks and open spaces accessible and inclusive to everyone. The initiative will invest in immersive, welcoming destinations on state lands that are accessible to and inclusive for children with and without disabilities, such as the Adirondacks for All tactile displays, All Are Welcome in the Catskills sensory trails, and a new “Living Building” education center at the Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve.
  • Advancing Adaptive Clothing for People with Disabilities through New York’s Fashion Innovation Center by creating a new grant program for the design, production, and commercialization of accessible and adaptive clothing for people with disabilities.

In the State of the State, Governor Hochul lays out her plan for continuing her commitment to Affordability for All. Her proposals to reduce the costs of housing, insurance and childcare will have a major positive impact on all New Yorkers including those who work in direct care, people with developmental disabilities, and their families.

To read more about the Governor’s State of the State proposals visit 2026 State of the State | Governor Kathy Hochul.

As we kick off another year, I look forward to continuing to work with all of you to address the issues important to New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, as well as the families, community partners, and professionals who support them every day to live rich, fulfilling lives.

Sincerely,

Willow Baer
Commissioner

state of the state

nys budget 2026

New York State’s FY 2027 budget faces significant challenges, with projections showing a large structural deficit, estimated around $4.2 billion for just that year, part of a larger multi-billion dollar cumulative gap through 2029, driven by growing Medicaid and school spending. While updated figures show slight improvements due to higher tax receipts, major concerns remain over balancing recurring costs, potential federal funding shifts (like for Medicaid), and managing rising expenditures in key areas. The State Budget Division held initial hearings in November 2025 to discuss plans for this fiscal year. 

Governor Hochul’s 2026 agenda includes initiatives that will continue to make life more affordable, keep people safe, and expand opportunity for all New Yorkers. Read about these policy initiatives in the 2026 State of the State Book.

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CLICK STATE OF THE STATE

Holds a Press Conference to Make an Announcement

https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office

SPECIAL EDUCATION For PRESCHOOL AND SCHOOL AGE STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

https://www.nysed.gov/special-education/parents-guide-special-education

DRNY wants your feedback on wheelchair
repair delays in New York

Disability Rights New York wants to know: 

  •  How are New Yorkers impacted by delays in getting wheelchair repairs & replacements? 
  • Why it is important to make wheelchair repairs faster and more routine? 
  • How wheelchair vendors in New York can do better? 

Survey closes November 30 – Click here!

  • Increase amount: The average monthly benefit will rise by approximately $56.
  • Effective date: The new benefit amounts will begin in January 2026.

The 2026 Social Security cost-of-living increase (COLA) is 2.8%, which will go into effect in January 2026. This will result in an average monthly increase of about

$56$ 56$56 for Social Security beneficiaries. The increase for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will begin on December 31, 2025. 

Key details about the 2026 COLA

  • COLA percentage: 2.8%. 
  • Average monthly increase: Approximately $56$ 56$56. 
  • Effective date: January 2026 for Social Security benefits and December 31, 2025, for SSI payments. 
  • Comparison to previous years: The 2026 increase follows a 2.5% COLA in 2025 and a 3.2% increase in 2024. 
  • Notification: The Social Security Administration (SSA) will mail notifications with the new benefit amounts in early December. 
  • Online notices: Recipients can opt-in to receive their notice online by signing up for digital notices through a my Social Security account by November 19, 2025

Due to the current federal government shutdown, November SNAP (food stamps) benefits may be delayed or not issued at all, though some states are accepting new applications for now. Many states, like Florida, have warned that benefits could be suspended if the shutdown continues, and some states are using their own funds for emergency relief. The USDA instructed states to halt the process for sending electronic files to EBT vendors, which is likely to cause delays for November benefits. 

Impact of the shutdown

  • Delayed or no benefits: The federal government may be unable to fund November’s SNAP benefits.
  • EBT card issues: Recipients may not be able to access any unused benefits on their EBT cards starting November 1st.
  • State-by-state variations: While the federal government may not be able to provide funding, some states are using their own funds to provide emergency food relief or are warning of potential issues for November’s benefits.
  • New applications: Some states, like New York, continue to accept applications for now, but this could change if the shutdown continues. 

What to do

  • Check with your state agency: Check your state’s official website for the most up-to-date information on SNAP benefits and potential delays.
  • Prepare for potential delays: If you rely on SNAP benefits, begin planning for a potential delay or suspension of benefits for November.
  • Contact your state agency directly: If you haven’t received a notice about your application or have other questions, contact your local SNAP office directly to check the status. 

“Do people realize that this is happening to this population of vulnerable students?” one education department leader told ABC News.

The education department is the smallest cabinet-level agency in the U.S. government and its staff has been nearly halved since Trump took power earlier this year.

Now Accepting Applications for Regional Disability Health Clinic Grant

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

Addressing health equity for people with developmental disabilities is a top priority for OPWDD and for me personally. A common theme that I hear from people is that they are being left behind when it comes to accessible settings and availability of medical professionals trained to treat the physical health needs of people with developmental disabilities.

To improve access to health care services for people with developmental disabilities, the Governor announced during her 2025 State of the State, and included in the New York State Budget for 2025-26, the creation of Regional Disability Health Clinics.

I am thrilled to announce that the Request for Applications for $25 million in capital project grants to create Regional Disability Health Clinics has been released. The deadline for applications is November 5.

Article 16 clinics and Article 28 clinics, including Diagnostic and Treatment Centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Rural Health Centers (RHCs), and Free-standing hospital extension clinics (off-campus sites), are all eligible to apply to the recently issued Request for Applications. Applicants can propose capital projects that improve both access to and the quality of physical health care services (e.g., medical, dental, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology).

OPWDD will prioritize projects related to expanding or enhancing existing dental services, improving physical space to better accommodate wheelchairs, improving physical space to be more sensory-friendly, and improving access to specialty physical health services in ‘healthcare deserts.’ 

We are excited to receive proposals that recommend innovative ways to deliver increased access to physical health services specifically for people with developmental disabilities. No one should have to suffer the indignity of an office visit without the proper medical equipment or the frustration of not being able to find healthcare in their community.

Best Regards,

Willow Baer
Commissioner

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Order MetroCards in Bulk

The following MetroCards will be discontinued

Click on any of the options below to conveniently and safely purchase MetroCards with your credit card. Larger orders may require ACH payment. You can order all one type of MetroCard or mix and match denominations to reach the 50-card minimum. Unused and/ or expired MetroCards cannot be returned for replacement or refund.

Looking for OMNY Cards?

The OMNY Programs website, Business-to-Business (B2B) Portal, where you will create an OMNY account and place OMNY orders, is almost ready to launch.  We plan to start enrolling agencies to the OMNY Programs website B2B Portal in Q4 2025. 

Please continue ordering MetroCard as needed until the portal goes live. If you are not an existing MetroCard merchant and would like to become an OMNY merchant, please send an email with your contact information to OMNYMerchantSales@nyct.com. You will receive updates from us via email in the months prior to launch.

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For questions or order inquiries,  email us at MetroCardBulkSales@nyct.com. 

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Share Your Feedback on the 2025 NYC Ferry Network Optimization Plan by 9/1The deadline to submit public comment on NYC Ferry’s proposal for systemwide route and service changes is this Monday, September 1st. Substantial changes are being proposed for the South Brooklyn line, whose Sunset Park and Bay Ridge stops would be absorbed by the St. George line, with additional stops at Atlantic Avenue only in Brooklyn and the existing Wall Street stop on the east side of Manhattan. Stops on this route would include Staten Island and Midtown West heading the opposite direction.Individual route maps can be reviewed here and outline the proposed changes by landing stop. Complete the Survey
 

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