March 27, 2024 - New Freedom, PA
Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh today joined leadership, staff, and clients from Penn-Mar Human Services to discuss the life-changing investments in Governor Josh Shapiro's 2024-25 proposed budget for the intellectual disability and autism (ID/A) communities. The proposal includes major increases in home- and community-based services for Pennsylvanians with ID/A as well as reimbursement rates for the providers and direct support professionals who provide essential care and support every day.The proposed budget sets a transformative course to eliminate the emergency waiting list for services for adults and reduce barriers to care for thousands of Pennsylvanians over the next several years. This system change will make Pennsylvania one of a handful of states to end its emergency waiting list and help ID/A community members access vital services to live independently, pursue education and job opportunities, and participate in the Everyday Lives they deserve.Governor Shapiro also is proposing to invest $483 million in federal and state funding to support rate increases to service providers. Governor Shapiro announced late last year that DHS would re-examine rates to better support ID/A service providers and the direct support professionals who dedicate their careers to helping Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism. This investment in rates will support recruitment, retention, and wages for direct support professionals across this field who make inclusive, enriching lives possible for people with intellectual disabilities and autism.List of Speakers:Greg Miller - President & CEO, Penn-Mar Human ServicesDoug Hoke - York County CommissionerJulie Wheeler - York County President CommissionerDr. Val Arkoosh - Secretary of DHSJimmy Castle - Penn-Mar Direct Support ProfessionalTyler Mudd - Self-advocate
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