Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new partnership on Tuesday, January 7th, to enhance New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). The collaboration includes New York State, Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), and 11 Independent Living Centers (ILCs) to ensure a smooth transition for CDPAP users by the program’s March 2025 deadline.
CDPAP allows individuals with disabilities to hire and manage their caregivers. Starting in March, PPL will become the sole fiscal intermediary for the program, while ILCs will continue to assist with registration, education, and advocacy. Over 30 other community-based partners will also help administer the program across New York’s 62 counties.
Governor Hochul emphasized the initiative’s importance: “Our statewide partnership will protect CDPAP and ensure continued access to high-quality home care for New Yorkers across the state. I’m pleased that independent living centers will play an important role as partners in this effort, as we create a better and stronger CDPAP for home care users and caregivers.”
The 11 ILCs include organizations such as AIM Independent Living Center, ARISE, Inc., Finger Lakes Independence Center, Independent Living, Inc., Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley, Long Island Center for Independent Living, Rockland Independent Living Center, Resource Center for Independent Living, Southern Tier Independence Center, The Center for Disability Rights, and Western New York Independent Living. These disability-led centers will support consumers throughout the transition, ensuring services remain accessible and culturally sensitive.
Lindsay Miller, Executive Director of the New York Association on Independent Living, praised the program’s inclusive approach: “We commend the Governor’s commitment to ensuring that CDPAP consumers have access to the full spectrum of services Independent Living Centers provide, empowering people with disabilities to live independently in the community.”
Kimberly Hill Ridley, New York’s Chief Disability Officer, highlighted the ILCs’ crucial role: “This partnership ensures the program’s mission remains focused on independence, dignity, and high-quality care for all participants.”
Consumers can start the transition to the new structure by calling a dedicated support line, visiting PPL’s website, or working with an approved CDPAP facilitator. This collaboration is an important step toward ensuring long-term home care services for New Yorkers with disabilities.
