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
Governor Shapiro Visits Allegheny County Non-Profit Serving Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism to Highlight How Proposed Budget Investments Would Expand ID/A Services and Support Direct Support Professionals
Governor Shapiro has been traveling the Commonwealth and meeting with the ID/A community, advocates, and families – from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia to the Lehigh Valley – to hear top concerns firsthand and learn how his Administration can...
Shapiro visits Pittsburgh, talks about enhancing resources for people with intellectual disabilities and autism
Workers who provide services to people living with intellectual disabilities and autism said there's a shortage of employees across the country. Gov. Josh Shapiro said his proposed budget will help with that problem.
Those with ID/A deserve quality services
Colleen Tomko and her son, Shaun, of Springfield Township, are advocating for passage of Gov. Shapiro’s budget, which includes an infusion of money for services targeting people in the ID/A communities.
Gov. Shapiro’s budget would make a real difference for families caring for individuals with disabilities [opinion]
State human services secretary discusses the administration's plans for helping families in dire need of assistance.
Families of disabled finally hopeful
In a recent address, and in testimony before the PA House and Senate Appropriations Committees, Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) made me feel optimistic.
ICYMI: Governor Shapiro, DHS Secretary Arkoosh Travel the Commonwealth to Meet with Pennsylvanians with ID/A and Hear how the Governor’s Historic Budget Proposal Would Expand ID/A Services
From Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley, the Governor and Secretary Arkoosh have traveled across the Commonwealth meeting with Pennsylvanians with ID/A, caregivers, and advocates to hear how the 2024-25 budget will support more Pennsylv...
In Warminster, Shapiro rallies support for his budget’s ID/A funding
For 24 years, Shnica Smith has worked at BARC Developmental Services, a Warminster-based nonprofit agency that provides early intervention, residential and vocational programs for more than 700 people with intellectual disabilities and autism.
Shapiro aims to eliminate waiting list for services for intellectually disabled adults
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Josh Shapiro and his top human services official said Wednesday that the administration has a plan to end a waiting list of thousands of families who are considered to be in dire need of help for an intellectually di...
After Years of Advocating Families of Disabled Feel Hopeful - By Gary Blumenthal
Mr. Blumenthal, Vice President of InVision Human Services of Wexford, Reading and Harrisburg, PA, is a former federal disability official serving in the Clinton and Obama Administrations. He is a former member of the Kansas House of Representatives...
His View: We pay for what we value
I only recently started paying attention to the ID/A community, despite unwittingly being a member of it for so long. Now, I realize how broken the system is for those profoundly affected by ID/A. Please ask your state legislators to support the gove...