In a move that's been hailed as game-changing for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A), Pennsylvania's Gov. Josh Shapiro has put forward a budget proposal that promises major uplifts in support for this often-overlooked community. According to DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, the 2024-25 budget includes substantial hikes in funding for home- and community-based services and improved reimbursement rates for caregivers and professionals dedicated to assisting individuals with ID/A.

"Achieving an everyday life with dignity is a goal for so many of our neighbors, friends, and loved ones in ID/A communities, but when they have to wait for services, we are falling short in helping them meet this goal," Secretary Arkoosh noted in a statement. She indicated that under the proposed budget, Pennsylvania is poised to become a frontrunner in providing services by moving to eliminate the emergency waiting list and heavily investing in the workforce that enables people with ID/A to lead fulfilling lives. An investment to the tune of $483 million from federal and state sources has been proposed to facilitate this sweeping advancement.

The Shapiro administration aims to purge the current emergency waiting list through a strategic multi-year expansion plan. The antiquated system of "slots" is being booted for a more dynamic budget-based model, aimed at granting counties the latitude to cater to their local needs more accurately. This paradigm shift could result in services becoming available to an additional 1,650 Pennsylvanians this year alone, with a one-time supplemental payment promised to grease the wheels of workforce recruitment and retention.

"Every Pennsylvanian with intellectual disabilities and autism should receive the support they need when they need them," Arkoosh stressed, as she shared insights on the proposed budget's vision for the ID/A community's future. A planned injection of $78 million from both federal and state coffers is on the cards for the impending fiscal year, with the potential to extend services to another 1,500 Pennsylvanians.

In an expression of solidarity and support for the proposal, Penn-Mar Human Services, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering those with developmental challenges, weighed in on the impact of such an investment. "I am confident our elected officials understand the importance and value of the services that organizations like Penn-Mar provide," Gregory T. Miller, President and CEO said in a statement. He conveyed his appreciation for the Governor's proposed increased funding, which he believes will substantially improve the capacity for services like those offered by Penn-Mar and others alike, essentially transforming the landscape for Pennsylvanians grappling with intellectual and developmental disabilities.