May 09, 2024 - McKees Rocks, PA
Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh visited Partners For Quality, a provider serving Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) as well as people with behavioral health needs, and talked with self-advocates, parents, employers, and direct support professionals in the ID/A and behavioral health communities about the historic ID/A investments and continued support for county behavioral health programs in Governor Josh Shapiro's 2024-25 proposed budget."All Pennsylvanians deserve access to the services and supports they need to live well and participate fully in their communities. For decades, Pennsylvania's ID/A services systemhasresultedin years-long waiting lists instead of providing the right supports at the right time. This is unacceptable and requires people to fit into the system instead of the system doing what is best to serve the individual," saidSecretaryArkoosh. "Under Governor Shapiro's proposal, Pennsylvania will work to eliminate the ID/A waiting list, invest in the value and importance of ID/A service providers and direct support professionals, support access to life-saving behavioral health care for people with mental health or substance use disorder needs, and, most importantly, demonstrate our commitment to dignity and quality of life for all Pennsylvanians. The time to invest in these services and supports is now so thatwe can help individuals, families, and even entire communities grow, be healthy, and thrive." Speakers include: Partners For Quality CEO Maggie RothenbergerSecretary Valerie ArkooshRep. Dan Miller, 42nd districtSandy Ersek, Citizen Care Direct Support ProfessionalClaire, person supported by Citizen Care and member of Voices for Change self-advocacy groupRebecca Beyer, family member and Life Sharing providerClaire Chepkemboi of ASA Gymnastics (employer)
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