Advocacy Tool Kit
Resources
Advocacy Talking Points to Support the Investment in ID/A Services in PA
The Associations across Pennsylvania have developed a brief talking point document to support and guide your Advocacy efforts. (03/06/24)
Sample Letter to Send to your PA Legislator
Ask your PA Legislator to send this sample letter to the Appropriations Chairperson demonstrating their support for Investment in ID/A Services. (03/01/24)
Information
Governor Shapiro Announces Investment in ID/A Services
During his budget address to the General Assembly, Governor Shapiro announced a remarkable investment in ID/A Services. Listen to an excerpt. (02/06/24)
2024-2025 Executive Summary of the Proposed ID/A Budget
This is an excerpt from the 2024-2025 Proposed Budget in PA that outlines the investment for the Intellectual Disabilities & Autism Programs. (02/06/24)
Action Center
Thank Governor Shapiro for his Support of the ID/A Community
Please visit our action center, where you can thank the Governor directly for his proposed investment in ID/A Services as part of his 2024-25 Budget Proposal.
Urge the PA Legislator to Support Investment in ID/A Services
Please visit our action center, where you can contact your PA Senator & Representative to ask them to support the governor's investment in ID/A services.
News & Media Center
‘Shining star’ one of many who need support
Chet Stofman has cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and a seizure disorder. But he feels at home, here in Western Pennsylvania. This is his community, and I am his primary source of care, love, and devotion. He is a shining star to all who know hi...
Pennsylvania to begin new fiscal year without budget, as Shapiro, lawmakers express optimism
Work by Pennsylvania lawmakers to complete a new budget was on track to blow into the new fiscal year, with Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and top lawmakers still expressing optimism Thursday that closed-door talks are yielding progress, despite the mi...
Editorial: Shapiro, legislature can provide long-term stability for disability care system
Adults with intellectual disabilities may wait years for services. Shapiro's budget would help.
This story first appeared in How We Care, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA featuring original reporting and perspectives on how we care for one another at all stages of life. Sign up for free here.
Disability Advocates Meet with PA Senate Majority Leader Sen. Joe Pittman on Pennsylvania State Budget for Disability Services
Sandi Shaffer, mother of Kate, an adult woman with intellectual disabilities and autism, led a group of disability advocates in a Friday, June 7th meeting with Pennsylvania Senate Republican Majority Leader, Senator Joe Pittman, to discuss the upcomi...
Pennsylvania families caring for people with disabilities need legislators to pass Gov. Shapiro’s budget | Opinion
For some, June heralds the joys of summer, a season of warmth, sunshine, and leisurely days. But for families of individuals with Intellectual Disabilities/Autism (ID/A) and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), it’s a month of heightened anxiet...
Advocating For Pennsylvania’s Heroes: Supporting DSPs And Individuals With Disabilities
As an experienced direct support professional (DSP), I’ve dedicated more than 40 years to caring for individuals like Brian, a 53-year-old man with Down syndrome, mental health challenges, and early-onset dementia. My journey began in 1979, ins...
ICYMI: Department of Human Services Secretary Highlights Governor Shapiro’s Historic Budget Investments in Intellectual Disability and Autism Services, Workforce
Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh recently published two opinion pieces highlighting the historic investments for intellectual disability and autism (ID/A) services and the ID/A workforce in Governor Josh Shapiro’s ...
Pennsylvania Waiting List Campaign Fact Sheet (March 2024)
The Pennsylvania Waiting List Campaign’s goal is to end the devastation of Waiting Lists for persons with intellectual disability (ID) and autism who need services through the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). HOW MANY PEOPLE...
Editorial: Josh Shapiro promised to end the wait list for disability services. Now, back it up
Across Pennsylvania, thousands of families are waiting in limbo, unsure whether their loved ones with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) will ever get the care they need. This month, Gov. Josh Shapiro made an ambitious promise to help them, ...