M. Rasbold-Gabbard posted on April 27, 2011 12:23
The budget debate in the Massachusetts House on Tuesday brought further progress in funding services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The House passed Consolidated Amendment "F," which addresses issues around education and local aid and included $6,500,000 for the DESE/DDS residential placement prevention program.
Created in the mid-1990's, the DESE/DDS program helps families avoid residential placements for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing community-based supports that allow children to reside with their families while attending school. By providing supports in the community, the program has preserved hundreds of families and has saved the state millions of dollars in residential placement expenses. DESE/DDS now serves 350 families, with 193 families on a waiting list.
The Arc and ADDP thank Rep. David Linsky for his leadership in sponsoring the amendment, and co-sponsoring representatives for their support.
We also wish to applaud the passage of an additional $2.4 million in funding for early intervention services (line item 4513-1020) through the consolidated public health amendment.
Finally, The Arc awaits developments on amendments that have yet to be considered:
- Amendment 365 provides for additional funding of day habilitation services through MassHealth.
- Amendment 571 provides a salary reserve for EOHHS that augments the wages of direct care workers