Oneida, NY – The Arc of Madison Cortland welcomed a visit from the New York State Assemblyman, John Salka.  Assemblyman Salka toured several of the nonprofit agency’s locations and witnessed the varied supports and services provided that are critical in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

“I was honored to meet some of the hardworking and dedicated individuals who provide such compassionate and high-quality care to the disabled members of our community,” said Assemblyman Salka.

Jack Campbell, The Executive Director of The Arc of Madison Cortland, who accompanied the assemblymen on the visit and said, “The Arc was pleased to have Assemblyman Salka become more familiar with the mission and vision of the Arc of Madison Cortland.”

The tour highlighted the individualized supports that are provided to more than 1000 people with developmental disabilities in Madison and Cortland counties.  “Assemblyman Salka’s engaging and thoughtful questions about the challenges people and their families face with the evolving state environment give me great confidence that the assemblyman will be a friend of our agency and stand up for the field of developmental disabilities,” added Campbell.

At the conclusion of the visit, Assemblyman Salka sat down with members of The Arc of Madison Cortland’s board of directors and the Madison County Motivators, a local self-advocacy group. They shared their fears about the New York State imposed changes that are taking place in their supports and the low reimbursement rates that are paid for direct support professionals (DSP’s).

John Salka noted, “The Arc of Madison Cortland has a long history of advocating for those with special needs, and I look forward to working with them as their representative in the state assembly.”