Advocacy is at the heart of everything we do at Delarc. It is about standing up, speaking out, and ensuring that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are seen, heard, and supported. This year’s Advocacy Day was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to make its voice known.
On March 10th, a small but dedicated group from Delarc traveled to Albany, New York, to participate in the statewide rally at the State Capitol. Surrounded by advocates from across New York, they stood together to raise awareness about the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the vital services that support them.
While the group was advocating in Albany, the support back home in Delaware County was just as strong. Throughout the day, Delarc staff, self-advocates and supporters showed their solidarity by wearing orange, The Arc’s official advocacy color. Our locations were filled with a sea of orange as people proudly participated in the effort to bring awareness to this important cause.
Advocacy also took place through action. Everyone participated in the One-Click Campaign and made calls to legislators to ensure that our elected officials hear directly from the people and communities impacted by these services. These efforts help remind lawmakers that the programs and supports that serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are essential.
Advocacy Day is more than just a single day of action. It is a reminder that every voice matters and that meaningful change happens when people speak up together. Whether traveling to Albany, wearing orange in support, or contacting legislators, the Delarc community showed that when we stand together, our message is clear:
We matter.
If you would like to help make a difference, consider becoming a Delarc member today. The more members we have, the stronger our collective voice becomes as we advocate for better pay for the dedicated professionals who support people with disabilities and continue working toward a more inclusive and accessible community for all. Click here to become a member today!
Together, we can make our voices louder and create lasting change.
0 Comments