As New York regions move into their next phases of reopening, there are some who say the governor is turning his back on them.

Relatives of group home residents, particularly, are looking for answers.

For many people with disabilities living in group homes, it’s been months since they’ve been hugged by anyone in their family.

One resident of a group home in Greece is Adam Szczesny. His mother comes daily, sometimes several times a day to visit, but she cannot go inside. 

Norann Shiner of Greece talks to her adult son through a screen window. Shiner is part of a group looking for answers from the governor.

“They’re not being allowed to go anywhere whatsoever," said Shiner.

New York is still not allowing visitors inside nursing, rehabilitation, and adult group homes due to the COVID-19 shutdown.

“We know our children the best, but closing the door on the person that knows them the best and can help with the support of them was not the right decision to make, and my son is absolute proof of that," said Shiner.

Adam is non-verbal and has medical, developmental, and physical disabilities. His mom says his demeanor has changed and shut down has left him confused.

"He’s just staring out into space now," said Shiner. "He’s not even smiling ... he always smiles."

Shiner is part of a growing group of relatives calling for change.

“The group that we have is really just reaching out to the governor on a daily basis. We are all sending letters to him. We’re bombarding him with phone calls and everything," said Shiner.

The message to Governor Andrew Cuomo is clear: “Unpause our children," said Shiner.

Governor Cuomo was asked about the group home visitation during Thursday’s briefing.

“The closedown is a pain in the neck," he said. "My continued answer is, but it’s better than death … Everybody agrees, as soon as it is safe we will allow it."

“As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing," said Shiner. "There’s no concrete plan. I don’t see any families being included in this plan … They have taken total control away from every family out there. This should not be allowed whatsoever."

Shiner says the longer this continues, the worse it will get for the residents of group homes.

“There’s so many of our guys out there that are, I mean literally, suffering," said Shiner.

Families calling for change are holding an “Unpause Group Homes" rally on Monday at 10 a.m. in Rochester at the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities on Westfall Road.