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Early Intervention Action

by Benjamin Anderson, Director of Poverty and Health Policy

March 05, 2019

Act Now! Protect EI Services for New York’s Children

All children deserve the chance to reach their full potential.  The Early intervention (EI) program helps by providing services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. Without access to comprehensive EI services, children miss the opportunity to improve developmental outcomes and catch up with their peers.

New York’s EI system is in crisis. One in four children have experienced delays in receiving EI services within the required time frame. To protect access to services, the state should increase reimbursement by 5% above current rates for all EI providers. Tell your representatives to end the Early Intervention crisis now and increase funding for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities!

What caused this crisis?

To address budget gaps, the state cut EI rates by 10% in 2010, and by an additional 5% in 2011. The cuts have never been restored, causing many experienced EI providers to close their doors. As EI providers shut their doors and therapists shorten their hours, children go without or face delays in service.

If we act now we can improve access to these services.

The Governor’s proposed budget already allocates $4.4 million for a 5% increase in reimbursement rates for certain EI services provided by occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists. However, the proposal excludes certain providers for children who are blind or deaf, and fails to include psychologists and licensed behavior analysts. By extending the 5% increase to all EI providers and all services, the state would improve access for all children.

Your voice matters! Act now to protect children’s access to EI services. Our children need your help. Tell the Governor and key lawmakers to end the Early Intervention crisis and increase rates for all services and all providers by 5%.

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