Nick Zawacki, president of the Association for Retarded Citizens Employees Union, a NYSUT local, is calling on members to remind state lawmakers to honor their commitment to independent living for those New Yorkers with special needs.

The ARCEU head is working with the Be Kind to Special Needs NY Coalition, which is fighting to maintain funding for quality services and care for New York's citizens with disabilities.

Funding is needed to support quality health care initiatives, 24/7 housing, respite care, dayhab programming and staff retention programs.

You can show your support by signing a petition at http://bekindtospecialneedsny.wordpress.com