New York officials are working to develop a years-long strategy to aid the long-term planning needs for some of the state's most vulnerable residents. 

State lawmakers and agency leaders pointed to an ongoing housing crisis facing the community as one of its most pressing needs. 

Assemblywoman Sarah Clark, along with Assemblywoman Jen Lunsford and Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Kerri Neifeld on Tuesday met with family members and community advocates to discuss the issue. 

“Our IDD community have enormous needs, ranging from housing to health care, and those needs become more complex as the community ages," Lunsford said. "I want to thank the tireless advocates, dedicated families and hardworking direct service providers who help care for and protect individuals with developmental disabilities."

People with developmental and intellectual disabilities have faced a range of challenges, and the support for workers who provide care for them has struggled with retaining workers in the challenging field. Lawmakers and advocates have pushed for additional funding to further increase the cost-of-living adjustment for these workers. 

But at the same time, there are housing and health care needs for people with disabilities on a longer-term scale that need to be addressed. Neifeld pointed to a five-year plan the state is compiling meant to better provide services. 

The plan is due to be submitted by Nov. 1 to Gov. Kathy Hochul. 

“OPWDD appreciates the opportunity to participate in today’s roundtable discussion to hear from our stakeholders about their concerns and to discuss the future enhancement and sustainability of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities," Neifeld said. "For the past two years, OPWDD has been gathering extensive feedback on our 5-Year Strategic Plan from the people who receive our services, their families, providers and advocates in order to better inform the direction of the agency."