March 22, 2024 - Philadelphia, PA
Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh today joined leadership from Vision for Equality, self-advocates, and families from across Pennsylvania for a roundtable discussion about the life-changing investments included in Governor Josh Shapiro's 2024-25 proposed budget, which includes major investments in home- and community-based services for Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) as well as reimbursement rates for providers to enable them to increase wages for 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 - a major system change that will make Pennsylvania one of a few states to end their waiting list and provide access to vital services that help individuals with disabilities live more independently, pursue education and job opportunities, receive support for health and safety, and participate in an everyday life like all people deserve.Governor Shapiro is also proposing to invest $483 million in federal and state funding to support rate increases to service providers. This new investment comes ahead of schedule following Governor Shapiro's announcement 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 receive the support they need to live in communities across the Commonwealth. This investment in rates will support recruitment, retention, and increased wages for direct support professionals across this field who make inclusive, enriching lives possible for people with intellectual disabilities and autism.Speakers include:Tom Carasiti, Community Advisor,Vision for Equality/PA Waiting List CampaignDr. Val Arkoosh, Department of Human Services SecretaryAnnette Scott, Philadelphia, mother whose son is not yet receiving servicesJill Spector, Montgomery County, recently started receiving services because of recent expansion of waiver capacityErnie Roundtree, Monroe County, self advocate currently still on waiting list
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