Advocacy Tool Kit
Resources
ID/A Associations Request Restoration of Funds & Continued Investment
The ID/A Associations across Pennsylvania submitted a letter requesting Governor Shapiro restore funding lost in final budget negotiations. (09/25/24)
Information
PG Editorial: Gov. Shapiro fulfills a promise, but there is more to do.
Gov. Shapiro delivered more results for this often-forgotten community than any other state executive in recent history but there is more work to do. (08/09/24)
Action Center
Thank the Governor & General Assembly for their Support
Please visit our action center, where you can thank the Governor & General Assembly for support of the ID/A Community in the 2024-25 Budget.
News & Media Center
Lawmakers, family detail $354 million in new funding for intellectual disability/autism
PITTSBURGH, August 9, 2024 – After years of advocacy, on Friday local lawmakers, families and service providers gathered at a local group home to highlight life-changing investments for the intellectual disability and autism (ID/A) communities ...
Shapiro-ordered study of Pa. Capitol’s accessibility for visitors with disabilities gets underway
The study will assess the state Capitol building’s accessibility to visitors with disabilities — answering years-long calls for change from disability advocacy groups.
Barber Center leaders call for sustained relief for chronically underfunded ID/A services
The recent passage of the state budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 is an important step by lawmakers for the ID/A community. But it is just that — a step.
Rep. Dan Miller, Sen. Jay Costa talk historic funding for intellectual disability/autism services
State Rep. Dan Miller, D-Allegheny, and Sen. Jay Costa, D-Allegheny, held a press conference on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh to talk about the historic funding for intellectual disability and autism services that was included in the recently en...
Editorial: In disability care, Shapiro fulfills a promise. But there's more work to do
This year’s budget negotiations resulted in significant — and long overdue — progress for Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A). While there’s still more work to do, Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered more r...
How a Lancaster mother convinced Gov. Josh Shapiro to increase funding for adults with disabilities
The State System offers home and community-based services and has a 13,000-person waiting list, leaving many families unable to work or take breaks from caregiving.
‘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.