Leo Sarkissian posted on January 24, 2012 14:52
Governor Deval Patrick will release his proposed budget for next fiscal year (2013) on Wednesday. Representatives of The Arc and ADDP met with administration officials last week to emphasize our concerns about the challenges faced by families and persons with disabilities over the past 3 years.
More than 4,400 persons with disabilities (conservative estimate) in need of some support have graduated special education programs over this 3 year period during the recession. At DDS (Dept. of Developmental Services), referrals for Turning 22 total approximately 2,100 people during this same time period. Annually at least 200 of the special education graduates headed to DDS are in urgent need of residential services. The rising numbers of adults turning 22 years with autism, complex medical conditions and other disabilities are finding few options with many choosing state plan services which do not provide employment options. Others are finding no alternatives.
Meanwhile employment funding at DDS and MRC (Mass. Rehabilitation Commission) has been frozen or cut with no follow along dollars at MRC for individuals placed in employment. Two stories from this fall hit home. A middle-aged man of 57 years just entered a local housing apartment complex but his care is being coordinated by his parents who are in their 80s. No disability agency has prioritized him for funding or services. Needless to say, he will need more supports soon- his parents can't do it on their own. Another young man of 25 years with autism is at home without options since he has been deemed ineligible for DDS services after years of special education. With family support cut by $10 Million in 2010, this family and many others have no alternative.
Community programs managed primarily by non-profits have not received cost of living adjustments in years and salaries are trailing behind state employee counterparts. There was no raise for this group, despite a 3% raise for state employees this year. Health care premium increases are squeezing agencies financially too.
It's critical to make up for lost time as situations become more desperate for individuals and/or families in the community: New funding is needed for Family Support, Turning 22, Employment and Community Service Rates and Salaries.
For other news from the January 23 issue of Notes from The Arc, please go here.