Rochester, N.Y. — More than 80 parents, advocates and providers left the Rochester area Tuesday to embark on a trip to Albany to advocate for change.

It’s part of The Children’s Agenda’s “Kids Can’t Wait” campaign.

The group is going to the state’s capitol to talk to elected officials about the New York State Early Intervention Program (EIP), which provides services for children under 3 years of age who have a disability or developmental delay.

The group said they’re pushing for more funding to help combat the backlog of children who critically need the program.

“Currently, NYS ranks 50th in the nation, dead last, of all the states for providing early invention on time to the babies and toddlers who deserve those services and need them to thrive,” said Seneca Hollenbeck, communications manager for the Children’s Agenda.

“My hope today is for our elected officials to hear us advocates to make sure our babies get what they need and thrive to make sure they become the people who they were born to be,” said parent and advocate Toyin Anderson.

The Children’s Agenda is a nonprofit that advocates for effective policies for the health and education of vulnerable children.

CLICK HERE to learn how to donate.

Original story here: https://13wham.com/news/local/rochester-advocates-travel-to-albany-to-demand-funding-for-early-intervention-programs-new-york-state