GOVERNMENT RELATIONS CASE STUDY
Henry Viscardi School
cLIENT BACKGROUND
Understand The Need
Our client needed to secure annual funding of $903K for one-to-one paraprofessionals for students at a K-12 school for the severely physically disabled and medically frail.
ISSUES & CHALLENGES
working with the NYS Education Department
Change was in the air
In responding to a demand by the State Education Department (SED) to change their student formula, Viscardi was essentially asked to absorb one-to-one paraprofessionals that had previously been paid for by the school district of origin.
Measuring the Cost
The cost was impossible to meet and not having these one-to-ones would have meant that many students would not have been able to attend school or left with only homeschooling as an option.
“In our time of extreme need, DHC stepped forward and did an incredible job on behalf of our school and students. They continue to advocate on our behalf and their passion is obvious and so greatly appreciated.”
Christopher Rosa, President & CEO, Viscardi Center & School
SOLUTIONS
Developing the Plan
01
Making Connections
Over 10 years ago, DHC approached the NYS Assembly and asked that they step forward in the budget and find a way to fund the one-to-one paraprofessionals.
02
Building Momentum
With our constant advocacy, the NYS Assembly led the way and the NYS Senate soon followed.
03
Achieving The Goal
Funding from the NYS Legislature continued for a number of years until last year when NYS Governor Hochul put the funding in the Executive Budget.
RESULTS
What We achieved
