Tonia Green
My name is Tonia Green. I am 46 years old. I have been coming to The Shield Institute in Bayside Queens for over 20 years. Because of the Shield, I can communicate by myself with my electronic device to talk with my family and friends and advocate for myself. I participate in a variety of activities in the neighborhood while meeting new people. If Governor Cuomo plans to cut funding by 6 percent for OPWDD, how will this affect me and my friends? Well, let me tell you how! If you cut this funding by 6 percent our agency and others like it, will have to cut back on important services for us and some may even have to close. If the agencies cut back: Will I be going out less in the community? Will I be participating in fewer groups or will I not have staff to help me with my daily living skills? If you cut back staff: Will I have to wait a long time for someone to help me eat, or to help me use the ladies room or will I not get the physical, occupational or speech therapy services I need.