Long Island Leaders Reveal their Predictions for 2026- Long Island Business News January 12, 2026

“As we look ahead to 2026, the intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) sector continues to operate under a familiar cloud of uncertainty. Concerns around potential federal Medicaid cuts remain front and center. As New York State funding relies heavily on a federal match, any reduction at the federal level will have significant ripple effects across the entire system, even for agencies like ACLD that may not be directly targeted. Cuts to hospitals and related services inevitably impact community-based I/DD providers like ACLD that rely on those systems, and we must be prepared for those indirect consequences.
At the same time, providers face mounting financial pressures. Rising healthcare costs, inflation and the need to offer livable wages have dramatically increased operating expenses. While progress has been made in recent years to address workforce compensation, it does not make up for decades of underinvestment. The staffing crisis that emerged during the pandemic continues to challenge our field, and without direct support staff, our ability to deliver high- quality care is impacted. Workforce recruitment, retention and well-being must remain a top priority.
There are reasons for optimism. The New The New York State Legislature has shown a growing understanding of the needs of the I/DD community, and provider collaboration is stronger than ever. Agencies across New York are sharing expertise, advocating collectively, and working together to ensure sustainability. It is through unity, innovation, and continued advocacy that we will strengthen the system and protect the vital services our communities rely on.”

–ROBERT CIATTO, President/CEO of ACLD (Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities