PEF’s voice heard at disability roundtable discussion


By DEBORAH A. MILES PEF was invited to participate in a state


Senate roundtable discussion April 23 to help bring to light the problems and concerns surrounding individuals who are under the care of the state Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). State Sen. Roy McDonald initiated the


discussion that focused on finding the best ways to monitor, protect and properly treat New York’s most vulnerable population. Ed Snow, PEF’s labor-management


chair at OPWDD and an Executive Board member, told the group of nearly a dozen participants that ongoing training and career support was an essential key to providing better care. “From a union perspective and as a


residential manager at OPWDD, I have also found the issue of overtime to be a factor in care,” Snow said. “My professional opinion is when an employee gets more than four hours of overtime, people just get tired and that’s when things happen. In a work environment,


especially the direct-care field, often times the agencies don’t have the right amount of people working.” Snow also spoke about the role of


Medicaid service coordinators (MSCs) and how they are the lifelines for parents or caretakers of people with developmental disabilities. “Many people have told me how much


they value MSCs, and now they are concerned because the state may be taking away this title,” Snow said. “There is a process occurring to eliminate the role of MSCs, and the union feels strongly that people in this title are not only essential and respected, but viewed as one of the best assets within OPWDD. MSCs are vital to the people and families they serve. They should remain intact.”


—Photo courtesy of NYS Senate photography Snow said the discussion was a


positive experience. “People put their best efforts forward to


help the senator understand the complex issues within OPWDD. Some had good ideas. As a union representative, my position is PEF wants to be partners with the agency. It was important to be there, and it will be even more important to work together in the future. “We all want the best for those with


developmental disabilities. PEF will continue to advocate for the people we serve,” Snow said.


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