#save cdpa

I was reflecting on my recent crash course in mostly bed bound activism, when I wrote this on the internet. “For months, there's been a question hanging over my head. Will Cuomo force disabled people like me into institutions? I'm mostly bed bound. How can I contribute? What do I do with the fear & anger (self care)? One way was to play Nina Cried Power , groove, cry & then fight.“ You see in 2019, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo was hell bent on destroying a home care program with massive cuts, and that in the end, would force disabled people like myself, out of our homes, out of our communities and into institutions against our will. It was a strong collective effort and eventually a number of disability groups (as well as home care agencies) took Cuomo & The Department of Health to court and after much back and forth - we won! And that’s when I wrote that post, because while I was a part of the collective effort, I was also getting a real time crash course in being an activist as someone who is now mostly bed bound. One song that I kind of adopted during this time as my ‘rise up, let’s do this’ sort of anthem was Hozier’s song Nina Cried Power.

[image description: graphic has a black background. the top and bottom are frost & icicles. to the left is a photo of new york state governor andrew cuomo in a suit, in mid speech. to the right is the following text “Is Cuomo The New Polar Vortex? ‘Cus the way he’s treating disabled people is cold. Next to the word cold is the blue & white wheelchair symbol. On the bottom reads "Don’t disabled new yorkers deserve justice too?] Sometimes every morning for months, I would dance a little (when possible) as part of my physical therapy, break down and cry because besides it being a very very moving song, I am literally fighting to not be forced out of my apartment and into an institution against my will. This that should not be a legal option, IS a legal option for politicians. And while it did get some local coverage, for the most part, there was no public outrage beyond our disability community. This is something that fucks with you, weighs on you. But then after doing some self care (which involved many things, but often involved music), I would feel a little bit more ready to take this on.

[image description: a graphic where cuomo is talking to elon musk in a parking lot.  "Here you go, Elon. 750 million to create 750 jobs." he says handing him bags of money. Elon responds "Uh...you just ran over disabled people with your justice agenda." A red bus marked "Cuomo" has run over disabled people. wheelchairs in the air with the words POW. We see legs under the bus, with the speech bubble "Ow."] It was a bit unnerving because while the situation felt urgent (this was my first time dealing with this level of direct systemic oppression or ableism), I really had no idea how to be a powerful and effective mostly bed bound activist. I was used to physically attending protests and now that was not an option... how do I activist? How do I contribute to the resistance? To be clear, it wasn’t like I felt it was either in the streets or bust, and that the in person protest was the only “real” tactic, I just didn’t know of other tactics, let alone tactics that I physically could take on.

[image description: Graphic with pink background, has an 80’s vibe. To the right is a woman making a gasping / oh my god expression. The text reads “OMG! Governor Cuomo gave Elon Musk 750 million to create 750 jobs, but wants to cut 75 million from CDPA (a medicaid program that serves poor, elderly & disabled new yorkers) & creates over 100,000 jobs for the state.” In the upper right hand corner “that is not justice”] But in time, I found that I had plenty to contribute. I wrote articles that presented the issue within the context of a bigger picture. I shared my story and tried to humanize a struggle that was sometimes presented via statistics and budgets - things that just aren’t very interesting to most people.

RELATED: Why Is Governor Cuomo Attacking Disabled New Yorkers Like Me? (And What You Can Do About It)

RELATED: 10 Reasons Why Cuomo’s Attacks On Marginalized New Yorkers Must Be Opposed

RELATED: What’s The Tea with Anita Mya Rhites (#1) : Cuomo’s Shade

RELATED: Truth Revealed: Media Uncovers Cuomo’s Plans To Ship Over 70,000 Disabled and Senior New Yorkers Into Institutions.

[Illustration of a drag queen in an elaborate wig (pink, orange, and yellows) and outfit (yellow and orange). She is sitting at a table (seen from the chest up) that has a blue tea cup that reads “What’s The Tea?” on it. Next to and slightly underneath the cup is a white napkin with black print that reads “with Anita Mya Rhites . The text around her reads “I am living for this new wig. What I am not living for is Cuomo’s attacks on disabled people!”] I made media that pointed out the absurdity and hypocrisy of a governor who has been going on and on about his justice agenda, and meanwhile was throwing disabled people (and senior citizens) under the bus.

[Image description: Pink background with three rows of decorative plates (6 in each row) On top, in bold yellow font with a minor black shadow reads: Inanimate objects vs disabled people: a psa ] And while I was unable to physically attend the protests outside of Cuomo’s office, I was able to signal boost the social media posts, sometimes adding a bit of perspective, and how this issue, is a matter of freedom and civil rights. And because I’ve spent time in a nursing home, I was able to use that experience to talk about how in these places, care is this dehumanizing assembly line and a place where my health only got worse. I was able to take that crappy experience, and use that to my advantage. The truth is it wasn’t till I got home and received home care services in my apartment did I start to get better. It wasn’t till I lived in my home, was it even an option for me to do some very light grooving / physical therapy to music, let alone activism.

[image description: punk rock styled graphic with a pink graphic and yellow text that reads "Cuomo! Hands off our jobs! Workers Of The CDPA" @ rebel wheels nyc. In the center is a black and white artsy print style image of a woman sitting criss-cross, while raising a fist. She is looking out toward the right, with a proud look on her face. ] And so when I heard the news that our community won the court case, I was thrilled! But I also felt overwhelmed and cried, as ableism and direct oppression from the system is exhausting.  And that’s when I started to reflect on the past 6+ months, and I wrote: “For months, there's been a question hanging over my head. Will Cuomo force disabled people like me into institutions? I'm mostly bed bound. How can I contribute? What do I do with the fear & anger (self care)? One way was to play Nina Cried Power by Hozier, groove, cry & then fight.”

[image description: graphic with blue background. black text reads for a guy who talks so much about justice agendas, cuomo sure is hung up on forcing over 70k disabled & senior new yorkers into institutions #Justice For All  , # Save CDPA] I definitely stumbled along in the way. Trying out different tactics that didn’t always work, like trying to explain why people should care about this via cats. Adorable but not as effective as I thought it would be. I also didn’t really explain enough on the graphic. I also had to recognize the difference between what felt good, cathartic, and comforting to me as an activist, and what was going to reach people, as the two were not always the same. Sometimes you learn along the way.

[photograph of an adorably white fluffy cat, sitting on a table next to a vase filled with various pink flowers. the text reads “ # Save CDPA”] There were also times when I just did not have the energy to take action like I wanted to. Times where I just had to lay there and watch it all happen - which felt horrible. Vulnerable. It was then that I learned that sometimes you need to dig deep and temporarily surrender to the moment. You don’t have to like it, but you have to accept it. The more I try to control a moment that I can not control, the more horrible it will feel. Mindfulness. And learned how to feed my soul within the context of this situation. Make note of what filled my heart with joy, find things that make me laugh and overall make time for a much deeper level of self care. To make a conscious effort to not internalize the oppression. To know that my disabled body is not the problem. Ableism and the system is. RELATED: Ableism? What’s ableism? For me, music played a big role in that. I made many a playlist during that time and eventually adopted other anthems like “Big God” by Florence + The Machine, “Rebel Girl” by Bikini Kill, and the ever classic “Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole” by Martha Wainwright (and more.)

In the end, everyone has something to contribute. It’s just a matter of finding your thing, finding your groove, and then (spoons willing), doing the hell out it.

[image description: graphic. white background. dark blue text "Cuomo. Totally cool with destroying over 100,000 jobs for the workers, while forcing disabled and senior new yorkers into institutions against their will! But good news! He found 49 million dollars to fund vanity license plates." Bottom image of vanity license plate that reads "# save CDPA". Above the plate is a woman looking shocked] On that note, here is Nina Cried Power by Hozier (Lyrics)

So much, kittens for the “Justice Agenda”.

Don't get me wrong. It has done some good, but lately, it seems like we can't go a month without hearing about another attack on the disability community, from New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.

[Illustration of a drag queen in an elaborate wig (pink, orange, and yellows) and outfit (yellow and orange). She is sitting at a table (seen from the chest up) that has a blue tea cup that reads “What’s The Tea?” on it. Next to and slightly underneath the cup is a white napkin with black print that reads “with Anita Mya Rhites . The text around her reads “I am living for this new wig. What I am not living for is Cuomo’s attacks on disabled people!”] And let us not forget, that an attack on the disability community, is also an attack on every single marginalized community. After all, kittens you can be disabled and black, disabled and Muslim, disabled and an immigrant, disabled and queer and so on. 

[image description: Three Black and disabled folx (a non-binary person holding a cane, a woman sitting in a power wheelchair, and a woman sitting in a chair) looking seriously at the camera while a rainbow pride flag drapes on the wall behind them. Photo credit: Disabled And Here] And while I do believe that it is vital that we leave no oppressed group behind, especially in these times, fun fact, kittens: besides being fabulous and fierce, this queen, yours truly Ms. Anita Mya Rhites, is also disabled. And so, yes kittens. That means Andy, is also going, after queens, like me.

[an illustration of a drag queen Ms. Anita, not only revealing her full outfit - which is a very elaborate, colorful and couture dress, but also showing that she uses a stylish black cane to help her mobility, and that she is also disabled. The graphic reads “Ta-daaa!!!” and “Disabled drag queens represent!”] Now, the attacks have been many, but in this issue, kittens we're going to focus on CDPA aka Consumer Directed Personal Assistance program. Horribly boring name, kittens – I know, but besides creating over 100,000 jobs, this medicaid program empowers disabled queens like me to choose and hire who comes into my home and helps me stay the independent queen that I am. (Well... with some help). With traditional services, I don't get a choice, they send whoever is available, regardless if they speak the same language as you (which is kind of helpful when you need to communicate with each other), and regardless if they have experience in assisting someone with your needs. After all kittens, disabled people's needs do vary. But another reason I adore the CDPA is that, I do the hiring, which means I can make sure the people I hire, won't be queer and drag-phobic (nor ableist). The last thing I need kittens, is some homophobic, drag queen hating, ableist, shade throwing ignoramus, giving me crap for being my fabulous self, let alone in my own home. Can you imagine having to then be reliant on a person like that? I've been there, kittens and the thought of going back to traditional services... I don't even want to think about it. So, what's the tea? Why would Mr. Justice Agenda attack a program that is clearly fabulous for New York? Good question, kittens.

[Image Description: Illustration of Ms Anita from the eyes up. She is showing us her snazzy yellow business card, which has her name in a punk styled pink font and the words  in black at the bottom in a more handwritten styled font. “Fierce Drag Queen. Hard Hitting Journalist.” ] I sat down with Ms. Kendra Scalia (Consumer and Policy Analyst and fellow disabled activist) to find out why Cuomo is throwing so much visceral shade at disabled people, and what can be done to stop him. ANITA: Girl, what is going on? Does Cuomo just hate disabled people? Why is he so hell bent on destroying our services? KENDRA: It certainly feels like Cuomo and his administration are purposefully targeting the disability community. ANITA: Ugh, I'm almost afraid to ask, but let's hear it: What is the latest on the attacks on the CDPA? KENDRA: Basically the Department of Health wants to radically change the way they fund and reimburse the FI's or Fiscal Intermediaries. ANITA: FI's, kittens are basically like Go Between Agencies. I do the hiring, but the Go Betweens handle the paperwork, payroll, and in many cases help my peoples make the most of what help is available in our areas - which is needed, because that be can pretty complicated. On top of that, these agencies also create jobs for the community, so really it's a win-win for all.

KENDRA: Exactly. So basically this new policy says that these Go Between Agencies, as you put it, will be paid for their services on a per member per month basis, where the rate they are reimbursed will be determined by how many hours each member is authorized to receive. ANITA: Well, alright, I mean... is that a bad thing?

KENDRA: Well, the problem is that the new reimbursement rates are not sufficient to cover all costs of running the business, which includes rent and health benefits and salaries and so on. As a result, the majority of these Go Between Agencies will be forced to shut down, which will not only destroy jobs for the community...

ANITA: Ugh, as if that's what our state needs right now – less jobs. KENDRA: But would also damage, if not destroy the CDPA program as we know it in New York, making it harder on disabled and senior people to get the proper help they need. ANITA: Ugh, as if the state doesn't make it hard enough as it is.... So, how much does it cost to run a Go Between? KENDRA: Well, I mean of course it varies on location, but here's the weird thing about it: We don't know. Cuomo doesn't know. The Department of Health doesn't know.

[Image Description: White graphic with the words “How is that even a thing?” in a black handwritten font] ANITA: Um... what?! KENDRA: Yeah, there are no real numbers publicly available regarding current costs of running a Go Between Agency. And this is why the community has been calling on the Department of Health, to delay the changes until they, at the very least, have all the information on the actual costs. ANITA: What?! Why... and what?!

KENDRA: Anita, your eye is twitching... ANITA: I just...okay wait, so if they don't even have all the information, then how are they deciding on cuts to the program? KENDRA: Exactly. ANITA: Well wait, so if they get their way, what's gonna happen to the over 70,000 people who rely on the program? Have they even thought about that? KENDRA: Well, if the majority of Go Between agencies are forced to shut down, due to lack of proper funding, people will technically have the right to transfer to another Go Between, but that's only if there is another Go Between in their area, and assuming there's one in their area, that can take on this extra workload, while still running on reduced funding. We may not know the exact costs of running a Go Between, but the math is obvious. Less funding, more workload. Most of the Go Between agencies will be forced to shut down. ANITA: That is going to be a hot... mess. KENDRA: Yes and unfortunately, a lot of people will be booted from the program, and forced onto traditional home care or... into nursing homes. ANITA: Why would Cuomo and the DOH do that? Traditional services is having a hard enough time covering hours as it is? How do they think these same agencies will be able to take on all these extra cases? KENDRA: Oh yeah. There's actually a nationwide home care workforce shortage crisis happening right now. In fact, traditional agencies, in some areas of the state, currently rely on consumer enrollment in CDPA to cover part of their weekly care hours. Because agencies are unable to fully staff and fill shifts, they push the responsibility onto the consumer. These cuts will negatively impact traditional home care agencies, as they will have no other program to support their client’s needs as it becomes more challenging to hire quality caregivers.

ANITA: So, the cuts will shut down the majority of Go Betweens... what happens if Traditional agencies can't cope? What? Is the state just going to just ship the majority of us off into nursing homes and institutions - against our will, I might add? Even if they tried, where will we all go? As it is, there is already a huge waiting list for open beds. KENDRA: There are more than 70,000 people using CDPA today. It is impossible for all of those people to find a nursing home bed because New York State does not have that many nursing home beds open. The math simply doesn’t add up. If people can't get traditional services in their area, some consumers will have to rely on support through family willing to work for free or, for those who are lucky enough, private pay for some level of care. ANITA: Please. We all know, that is not an option for most people. Even if you do have family or friends in the area, people need to work. People need to make money to eat and pay rent. And Private Care? People have CDPAP via Medicaid which is like taking a vow of poverty. Who has money for that? KENDRA: Exactly. I mean unfortunately, if these cuts go through, a lot of disabled and senior New Yorkers will be forced to leave New York, running to any other state with CDPA. ANITA: But a lot us just can't get up and move to another state... KENDRA: I know. It is a bonafide mess. Sadly, a lot of people as a result, will die in their homes without the necessary daily care that keeps them healthy. ANITA: OMG, kittens. What the living hell? Meanwhile, I heard Cuomo and the Department of Health were telling people, that the cuts won't impact the quality of service? Are they just lying to the people or do they just really not understand how this program works? KENDRA: Anyone who knows the facts, knows that these changes are going to impact the disability and senior populations, not to mention the workers. How can it not? Many Go Between agencies have even told Cuomo and the DOH their concerns, but still the Department of Health continues to say that it is “not the intent" of the cuts to impact consumers or the integrity of the CDPA program. But how can they have good intent, when they don't even have all the information needed to make an educated decision? Anita, your eye is twitching again... ANITA: This is so exhausting...and the attacks... they just feel so relentless sometimes... I gotta take off my wig. This is just too damn much. KENDRA: Well, that's why while activism and taking action is important, so is doing self care.

[Image Description: An illustration of Anita who is looking very sad and drained. There are tears coming her left eye and she just looks drained. She has also removed her wig seen in previous illustrations, revealing her bald head.] ANITA: Is there even time for that? Aren't the changes to the program kicking in September? KENDRA: Well, that's if we don't stop it, and we can. That said, yes. There is time for self care. We must make time. We can't neglect our emotional health. Plus, how will we be able to fight if we are so burnt out that we can't even take action? ANITA: True. Well, that said, what are some ways people (inside and beyond our community) can take action? KENDRA: We must mobilize the community to get loud, get proud and get public! We must take this fight to #SaveCDPA to the streets with some old-fashioned protesting, letter writing to your local news outlets, and community conversations to educate your neighbors on CDPA and the devastation these unnecessary cuts will cause to disabled and senior New Yorkers!

[Image Description: White background graphic with text in a black handwritten styled font that reads “How To Take Action!” in larger text with smaller text on the side “Solidarity is fierce!” and “Yaaas Queen!”]

1.) You can sign up to join a Rapid Response Team. When Cuomo is scheduled to be in your area, you will be notified. This helps to easily coordinate a group of individuals to show up at Cuomo’s location to protest the cuts to CDPA.

2.) Join a Facebook group, such as CDPAP Watch Discussion Group. 3,) Join the conversations and share social media messaging by using #SaveCDPA. 4.) Share this interview 5.) Write blog posts about this. 6.) Make videos and post them online. 7.) Call Cuomo @ 518-474-8390 8.) Send him a message on Twitter @NYGovCuomo and via his website I know there is a lot of injustice going on in the world right now, but we can't let them do this to 70,000 people plus the workers! In the end, the people of New York, deserve better. ___

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo's 75 million dollars in proposed cuts to the popular and much needed medicaid program CDPA isn't just misguided, it's also a dangerous attack on many oppressed communities. The following are 10 reasons why it is urgent and vital that all New York Senators, Representatives and Legislators speak out against the cuts. 1.) Attack on freedom and independence. Cuomo's plan to charge CDPA agencies (aka: FI's or Fiscal Intermediaries) a monthly fee per client, will force agencies to give the boot to many New Yorkers already using the program, and reject new applicants, as the CDPA agencies won't be able to afford the monthly fees to stay in business otherwise. Shouldn't all New Yorkers have the same access to this medicaid program instead of a chosen few? As a result, people will be forced to use Traditional Services, which means a higher number of disabled and elderly people being shipped off against their will into nursing homes and institutions, where care is a dehumanizing assembly line and there is a higher risk of abuse. As it is, traditional agencies often have problems covering the approved hours and meeting the needs of disabled and/or elderly New Yorkers, and now there will be an even greater demand.

2.) Attack on workers. Why is Cuomo so bent on destroying jobs? He gave billionaire Elon Musk of Tesla 750 million dollars to create 750 jobs, and yet if he gets his way, he could destroy the CDPA program which creates over 100,000 jobs for the state of New York.

[image description: a graphic with a black background and features a woman of color wearing a beret and slightly looking to the right. her face has a blue-purple tint to it. Behind her red is a red rectangle, and to the left of her is a large white exclamation mark. The text (above her head) reads "activist. mother. new yorker." Under her chin reads "Cuomo! Hands off our jobs! Workers of the CDPA!"] 3.) Attack on privacy. Shouldn't all New Yorkers have a say in who comes into their homes? One of the many unique benefits of the CDPA is that disabled and elderly New Yorkers are empowered to do the hiring, so they can choose who comes into their homes, who assists them with personal and intimate things like bathing, getting dressed and eating. Shouldn't New Yorkers be the ones who decides who touches their body? Who they rely on for meals?

4.) Attack on immigrants & employment opportunities. One of the major demographics working in the healthcare industry as a PCA (or Personal Care Attendant) are immigrants. In some cases, such as NYC, a worker has the opportunity to make more money with CDPA than traditional services up to 17 dollars an hour. There has been cases where some traditional agencies will take advantage of immigrant workers and tell them that they can't make a better wage than what the agency is paying them, which is not always the case. Furthermore, with CDPA, the worker and client can meet up and decide if they are compatible, whereas with traditional services, an agency will send a worker out for a job, even if they do not speak the same language as the client, which puts both parties in harm's way. Lastly, by attacking the CDPA program, Cuomo is going after job opportunities for people who are just starting out in this country, and want to support themselves and their families with proper and gainful employment.

5.) Attack on the poor, disabled and the elderly. While Cuomo's justice agenda is making some much needed social justice changes for New York, we can not ignore that his budget cuts are nothing more than attacks on the poor, disabled and elderly communities. He claims there isn't enough money to fund certain programs, meanwhile miraculously finding money for corporations. And now he's going after medicaid programs such as the CDPA, which empowers people to stay in their homes and their chosen community. We are New Yorkers too. Where is our justice?

[image description: Graphic with pink background, has an 80's vibe. To the right is a woman making a gasping / oh my god expression. The text reads "OMG! Governor Cuomo gave Elon Musk 750 million to create 750 jobs, but wants to cut 75 million from CDPA (a medicaid program that serves poor, elderly & disabled new yorkers) & creates over 100,000 jobs for the state." In the upper right hand corner "that is not justice"] 6.) Attack on safety. A disabled person with autism, a survivor of a stroke, a person with multiple sclerosis, a person with cancer, all have very different needs to keep them safe and in an environment where they can thrive and lead a full life at home. In many cases, disabled and/or elderly people also rely on home services, so they can go to work. With CDPA, New Yorkers are empowered to hire people who can give them the individualized care that they need, not just a PCA who is a total stranger that happens to be available for the shift, but has no experience caring for someone with said needs, which can result in injury and further demise of health.

7.) Attack on New York families. With CDPA a person can hire a friend/family member which not only gives them the care they need with someone they are comfortable with, but won't be a financial strain as the family member or friend will be getting compensated for their work. And let's not forget that if a elderly and/or disabled person is unable to do their own hiring, a family member can be made a representative, thus giving the family more say in their loved one's care.

8.) Attacks on LGBTQ+ people (and other oppressed demographics who may face social discrimination). When you're gay, disabled and in need of home services (as an example), having the option to hire (and fire) someone, means not having to deal with homophobia from your PCAs. Being in a situation where you are reliant on the very person who is discriminating against you, is a horrible place to be, but with traditional services, you just don't get a choice in who they send. Even if it's a temporary situation, it's distressing to be discriminated against in your home, and no one should be forced to be closeted just to get proper and safe care.

9.) Attack on the future of CDPA. If Cuomo succeeds in destroying the program, it could very well be the beginning of the end for CDPA in other states who will follow suit. “New York got away with it, so why can't we?”

[image description: graphic has a black background. the top and bottom are frost & icicles. to the left is a photo of new york state governor andrew cuomo in a suit, in mid speech. to the right is the following text "Is Cuomo The New Polar Vortex? 'Cus the way he's treating disabled people is cold. Next to the word cold is the blue & white wheelchair symbol. On the bottom reads "Don't disabled new yorkers deserve justice too?] 10.) Attacks on people who use medical marijuana. Drug tests unfairly group hard drugs like heroin, meth and cocaine with medicinal drugs like marijuana in the same category, and failing a drug test can mean the loss of employment opportunities, for many New Yorkers, including disabled people who can work, but require the use of marijuana, as they have not found proper pain relief through pharmaceutical means. With CDPA, the client can hire someone who (as an example) uses marijuana for medicinal reasons, long as the client writes a letter saying you are aware of the results and are okay with it. That same person who “fails” their drug tests, would not be able to get a job with traditional agencies.

Disabled people are one of many marginalized communities in their own right. In fact, within every oppressed demographic, disabled people exist. It is time (and especially in this political climate) that we make it politically and socially unacceptable to throw disabled people under the bus. Disabled people deserve justice too, and that is why I ask you to oppose/speak out against these proposed cuts.

Follow #SaveCDPA on social media. Call Cuomo at 518-474-8390 and tell him Hands Off the CDPA. Don’t attack a program that creates over 100,000 jobs for New York State and gives the freedom of choice to over 70,000 New Yorkers.

TW: Ableism, ableist aggression Right now, in New York State, they are trying to force over 70k disabled and/or senior citizens out of our homes, against our will & into institutions... They seem to think that having the freedom to live in your own home and being locked up in an institution is the same thing.

[image description: Image of a text document with highlighted text . The main text reads “Spectrum News. Disability Rights Advocate Sue State”. The highlighted text in the image reads “there is excess bed capacity for both hospitals and nursing homes.”] #WhenIWasInANursingHome They lifted up my skirt without my consent to check for bed sores  #SaveCDPA #WhenIWasInANursingHome They could not accommodate my dietary intolerances and between the time I was in the hospital and then nursing home, I lost too much weight.  #SaveCDPA #WhenIWasInANursingHome Although I was there for a month, more than not they would offer me the wrong medicine. Once they gave me a cup of something that looked like my liquid vitamin, but was not. When I asked what I just took, the guy said he wasn't really sure #SaveCDPA #WhenIWasInANursingHome They took away my heating pad which was the only thing that helped with my pain and back spasms for 3 days due to nursing home policies. My health only got worse as a result  #SaveCDPA  #WhenIWasInANursingHome I had a roommate who needed help every morning getting ready for the day. 7am. The nursing home PCAs would come in, & for some unnecessary reason, turn on the main light instead of just her light, which they'd leave on even after they left. #SaveCDPA #WhenIWasInANursingHome One nursing home PCA was unnecessarily rough with my roommate who would start to cry. Another PCA told her to be gentle, to which the first nursing home PCA responded: “Don't worry about it. She's just a lump.”  #SaveCDPA #WhenIWasInANursingHome You could not go outside unless there was a scheduled outdoor activity or you had a visitor, but you couldn't just come and go as you please. You were locked in. #SaveCDPA #WhenIWasInANursingHome I was not allowed to use my motorized wheelchair, even though it had custom spine support that my spine needed. They gave me a dinky manual one that only caused more spasms.#SaveCDPA #WhenIWasInANursingHome I was there for a but over a month and during that time I only received assistance with showering and brushing my teeth – twice. They'd offer partial sponge baths, where they'd leave the soap on, which irritated your skin  #SaveCDPA #WhenIWasInANursingHome The staff had 0 training when it came to people with neurodivergent brains, processing disorders, sensory overload etc. I actually had to write out training material to explain that I am not just being fussy or dramatic.  #SaveCDPA  #WhenIWasInANursingHome My health only deteriorated during the short time I was there. My blood pressure often became too low and when I finally went back to living in my own home again, my PCA saw that I had these mysterious bruises/marks on my back. #SaveCDPA When I finally was able to live in my own home again, it took me months to recover from the toll on my health from being in the nursing home. #SaveCDPA And thanks to the CDPA program, I was able to hire PCAs that care about my well being, & as a result, I've gone from pretty much bed bound to mostly bed bound. I'm no longer underweight, the bruises on my back went away & my BP is steady #SaveCDPA Thanks to the CDPA program, I'm @ home & stronger. I'm even in the process of going to the NYU Wheelchair Clinic to get a proper wheelchair so I am not mostly bed bound. They don't even allow motorized wheelchairs in the nursing home.  #SaveCDPA So, when I hear that Cuomo & The NYSDOH wants to shut down the CDPA program & force people like me (over 70k of us) into institutions/nursing homes, it breaks my   It brings me to tears & is the source of stress dreams. I can't go back. #SaveCDPA It really boggles my mind that Cuomo & The NYSDOH seem to think there isn't a difference between having the freedom to live in your own home, & being forced against your will & locked up in some nursing home/institution. is the same thing?  #SaveCDPA Tell Cuomo & The New York State DOH that there IS a difference btwn the freedom to live in your own home & being locked up in a nursing home. Tell them it's not okay to force over 70k from our homes. Tell them to #SaveCDPA https://tinyurl.com/SaveCDPANow

POP QUIZ: Which marginalized group’s freedom is New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo viciously attacking? Is it... A.) Immigrants B.) LGBTQ+ C.) The Poor D.) Disabled People E.) People Of Color F.) All of the above + more