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.

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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...