Advocacy
Advocacy is the primary focus of LDANYS. LDANYS works in the NYS legislature, with key state agencies, the Governor’s office and with other policymaking entities to ensure that the rights of children and adults with learning disabilities are protected and to improve access to services for children and adults with learning disabilities. We advise the legislature, state agencies and regulatory entities on how their policies and decisions will impact on the lives of individuals with learning disabilities. Examples of our work in this arena include:
- Providing several recommendations to the New York State Education Department on state regulations implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA).
- Providing input to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance on a comprehensive screening tool including a learning disabilities screen to be used by local social service districts.
- Advising the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities on how their eligibility guidelines impact the ability of children and adults with learning disabilities to get much needed supports and services to lead independent, successful lives.
- Providing input on a number of legislative bills to the Governor’s office at the Governor’s request.
- Serving on numerous state level advisory committees, boards and work groups to ensure the voice of individuals with learning disabilities is always being heard.
Budget Alert! Governor's Proposed Deficit Reduction Act Will Harm Services for Individuals with Disabilities: Action Needed! (click here to read alert)
Advocacy Talking Points for Governor's Proposed Deficit Reduction Act (click here to read talking points)
LDANYS' 2010 Bill Memos
Memo in Support of Prohibiting Toxic Chemicals on Lawns and Grounds at Schools and Daycare Centers (Click here to download PDF memo)
Memo in Support of Regulating Toxic Chemicals in Children's Products (Click here to download PDF memo)
Memo in Support of Amending Audit Procedures Conducted by the Office of Medicaid Inspector General (Click here for Assembly memo, click here for Senate memo)
Memo in Support of Changing the Name of OMRDD (Click here to download PDF memo)
Memo in Support of Establishing Tiered Eligibility for OMRDD Services for Individuals with Learning Disabilities (Click here to download PDF memo)
LDANYS' 2009 Bill Memos
Memo in Support of Changing the Name of OMRDD (PDF)
Memo in Support of Instruction on the History of People with Disabilities (PDF)
Memo in Support of Timothy's Law, Repealing Expiration Date (PDF)
Memo in Opposition of Special Education Mandate Relief (PDF)
Memo in Support of Tiered Eligibility for OMRDD Services (PDF)
Memo in Support of Reinstating OMRDD Trend Factor (PDF)
Memo in Support of Electronic Recycling (PDF)
Memo in Support of a Ban on decaBDE (PDF)
LDANYS' 2009 Legislative Program
LDANYS' Proposal on Tiered Services
LDANYS’ Position Statements
NEW! LDANYS Statement Regarding the Proposed Framework for New York State High School Exiting Credential (To download statement, click here).
The Learning Disabilities Association of New York State Position Statement Regarding the Issuance of IEP Diplomas in New York State - January, 2009 (PDF)
The Learning Disabilities Association of New York State Statement on Response to Intervention as a Model for Identifying Students with Specific Learning Disabilities Under IDEA 2004, cover page - January, 2006 (PDF)
The Learning Disabilities Association of New York State Statement on Response to Intervention as a Model for Identifying Students with Specific Learning Disabilities Under IDEA 2004, continued - January, 2006 (PDF)
Statement on Governor's Proposed Budget Cuts to Vocational Rehabilitation Services - April, 2003 (PDF)
Statement on Governor's Proposed Cuts to Education - April, 2003 (PDF)
LDA of NYS Position Statement on the Need for Coordination of Services For Individuals Who Have Learning Disabilities - January, 2002 (PDF)
LDA of NYS Position Statement on Harassment and Discrimination in our Classrooms - January, 2002 (PDF)
LDA of NYS Statement on “Order of Selection” for VESID Services - January, 2002 (PDF)
LDA of NYS Position Statement on Alternative Assessments to the Regents Exams - December, 2001 (PDF)
LDA of NYS Position Paper Regarding Services for Students with Disabilities in the Least Restrictive Environment - January, 2001 (PDF)
Higher Standards & The Impact on Students and Educators - December, 1997 (PDF)
LDANYS’ Comments on Regulations, Policies and Legislation
Burden of Proof In Special Education Hearings, Cover Page - May, 2007 (PDF)
Burden of Proof In Special Education Hearings, continued -(PDF)
Comments on Proposed Amendments to State Regulations Implementing IDEA 2004, Cover Page - May, 2007 (PDF)
Comments on Proposed Amendments to State Regulations Implementing IDEA 2004, continued - (PDF)
Implementation of IDEA 2004 in New York State, Cover Page - April, 2005 (PDF)
Implementation of IDEA 2004 in New York State, continued - (PDF)
Comments on Proposed Changes to Part 200 Regulations - December, 1999 (PDF)
LDANYS’ Legislative & Regulatory Testimony
Comments by the Learning Disabilities Association of New York State to the Most Integrated Setting Coordinating Council, Cover Page - October, 2004 (PDF)
Statement of the Learning Disabilities Association of New York State to the New York State Board of Regents on VESID Supported Employment Initiatives - September, 1999 (PDF)