Suffolk Reporter

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) and other Assemblymembers convened a press conference to discuss improvements needed for New York's Early Intervention (EI) Hub. This online platform, launched on October 15, aims to manage services for children with disabilities. However, its implementation has led to significant challenges.

Across the state, children with disabilities face difficulties in accessing necessary support. Although intended to improve service delivery, the system's flaws have hindered timely matching of children with services and delayed provider payments. The issue requires immediate attention.

DeStefano stated, “The EI-Hub system has struggled with reliability, creating barriers for children with disabilities in New York to access critical services. Designed to improve efficiency, the system’s flaws have instead caused significant challenges. Children are being left on hold for months, providers aren't being paid, and precious data is being lost. It is urgent that these issues are resolved to ensure no child is left without the support they require. A full inspection of this system by the Department of Health needs to be enacted to ensure its efficiency and reliability.”