Big news is expected today in a federal lawsuit challenging New York's transition to a single company running its Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Program, or CDPAP.

The federal court ruling halted plans to end the state's work with over 600 companies that currently administer New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, or CDPAP.

While New Yorkers will have to wait until at least the end of the week to know what's in the final budget, the legislature has previously indicated it would support $22 million for Daniel's Law. Daniel's Law would provide trained crisis response teams of EMTs, peers, and mental health professionals to respond to a crisis rather than police.

Earlier this month, WBFO's Disability Reporter Emyle Watkins joined mental health advocates as they traveled from Buffalo to Albany to push for peer-led, voluntary services in the state’s budget.

Recently, WBFO Disability reporter Emyle Watkins went on the road to cover a group of advocates as they made their way from Buffalo to Albany to challenge topics such as involuntary treatment, Kendra’s Law, and more.

While the Governor had proposed expanding who could be involuntarily committed, the legislature has decided to omit those changes in their proposed budget. This comes shortly after advocates traveled from around the state to speak out on the issue.

This week we continue our series Voices of Disability Pride with an interview between freelancer Mason Ald and community leader Sam Mattle. Mattle is the executive director and founder of the Center for Self-Advocacy, a local organization which advocates for equity and empowers people with disabilities.

How do you empower young people with disabilities to take control of their lives? One local rural peer-led agency will soon pilot what they believe could be the answer.