New York Ranks 4th in States with Best Disability Services

New York State ranks fourth in the nation for states that have the best services for individuals with special needs and their families.

United Cerebral Palsy has released its 2015 report, The Case for Inclusion, which ranks the 50 U.S. states and District of Columbia based on how well their state Medicaid programs serve residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. New York state ranks fourth on the list, behind Arizona, Maryland, and Missouri. The state was fifth in last year’s report. Connecticut ranks 17th, up from 22nd in 2014, while New Jersey ranks 28th, down from 15th.

Since 2006, the report’s rankings have revealed how state Medicaid programs measure up in areas including how many individuals are supported in the community, how many participate in competitive employment and family support services, and how states are helping those in need, including serving those languishing on waiting lists.

The report identifies five key aspects of an effective Medicaid program:

Promoting Independence: People with disabilities live in and participate in their communities.

Promoting Productivity: People with disabilities have satisfying lives and valued social roles.

Keeping Families Together: The state offers support services that provide assistance to families that are caring for children with disabilities at home, which helps keep families together, and people with disabilities living in a community setting.

Reaching Those in Need: People with disabilities have sufficient access to needed support, and control over that support so that the assistance they receive contributes to lifestyles they desire.