The deadline to transition consumers and their workers is fast approaching, and the situation is growing increasingly urgent. The Department of Health has yet to disclose the exact number of consumers who are fully enrolled and "payroll ready" to keep personal attendants working beyond April 1st. From the limited information they've provided, it's clear that a complete transition to ensure uninterrupted services for all consumers is unlikely—and lives are at serious risk.

This deadline threatens the ability of many New Yorkers to continue living in the community and receiving essential personal care services, such as assistance with eating, bathing, toileting, and transferring out of bed. After April 1st, there will be no safety net in place. We need to demand an immediate delay to safeguard the lives of people with disabilities.

We urge all advocates to call or write to their Assembly and Senate representatives, as well as the Governor, and demand that they push leadership to delay the CDPA transition. This arbitrary, unrealistic deadline cannot come at the expense of the well-being of CDPA consumers.