Advocacy at Opengate

Opengate advocates for people with disabilities by advancing disability rights, sustainable funding, and a strong, supported workforce. Working with policymakers and community partners at the local, state, and federal levels, we protect access to high-quality, community-based services for the people we support.

Family and self-advocate voices are essential. Lived experience brings policy to life, helping lawmakers understand the real impact of legislation and funding beyond statistics.

Our Advocacy Guide is a central resource for families, self-advocates, professionals, and allies seeking clear, practical information on how public policy affects disability services—and how to take action.

Advocacy at Opengate is ongoing and collaborative. Staying informed and engaged helps shape policies that promote dignity, opportunity, and meaningful community inclusion.

Support the Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Act

Each day at Opengate, we recognize the vital role Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play in the lives of the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who we support. Our DSPs are caregivers and advocates who make a difference every day, supporting people by nurturing their independence, inclusion, and growth. Yet DSPs remain largely invisible in federal workforce data, bundled into broad occupational categories such as home health aides.

The Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (H.R. 6137 / S. 3211), introduced with bipartisan support, would direct the Office of Management and Budget to create a new and specific Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) for DSPs. This is a necessary and long-overdue action.

There is a DSP workforce crisis and a dire lack of information and awareness about it. It is reported that nearly 40% of DSPs leave their jobs due to low pay, limited recognition, and work overload resulting from chronic understaffing. A dedicated SOC would provide policymakers with actionable data on wages, turnover, and staffing shortages to improve pay, stabilize funding, and ensure consistent, high-quality care for adults with disabilities.

This bill is currently under committee review. Momentum is building, but further progress requires our collective action. Opengate proudly joins national organizations, including American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), Autism Society of America, and Autism Speaks, in supporting this legislation.

Please show your support by signing below.

Together, we can ensure that DSPs are recognized, counted, and valued.

Ways to Advocate

Learn

  • Stay informed about disability legislation and budget proposals

  • Understand how policy changes affect services and supports

Connect

  • Participate in advocacy days, forums, and educational events

  • Join coalitions advancing disability issues across New York State

Share Your Perspective

  • Submit public comments when available

  • Share lived experiences that illustrate real-life impact

Support Awareness

  • Share accurate information within your networks

  • Encourage respectful, informed dialogue on disability policy

Together, we can protect essential services and expand opportunities for adults with disabilities.

New York State Budget & Disability Services

As New York State develops its annual budget, we advocate for sustainable funding, a strong direct support workforce, and the protection of community-based programs that promote independence and inclusion.

Key priorities include:

● Adequate funding for residential and day services

● Workforce stabilization and competitive wages for direct support professionals

● Continued investment in community-based employment and housing supports

Advocacy Tools & Resources

Learn more:

Know who represents you: