Federal Cuts Threaten Essential Support Services
Disability advocates across Pennsylvania are raising alarms about proposed funding reductions that could severely impact supportive services for individuals with disabilities. The potential cuts to Medicaid and other crucial funding streams have mobilized service providers and advocacy groups to take action.
The Power of Political Engagement
Keith Williams, director of advocacy at the Northeast PA Center for Independent Living (CIL), emphasizes the critical importance of political involvement for the disability community. He frequently quotes Justin Dart, known as the “Father of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” who said: “Vote as if your life depends on it. Because it does.”
This sentiment resonates strongly with service providers like Lesley Corey, vice president at Step by Step Inc., whose organization recently joined approximately 20 administrators in Harrisburg to voice concerns directly to legislators. The conference, sponsored by the Rehabilitation & Community Providers Association, brought together service organizations from across Pennsylvania.
Standing Together Against Underfunding
Richard Edley, president and CEO of the sponsoring organization, addressed the hundreds gathered at the event, acknowledging how service providers often become accustomed to chronic underfunding despite the growing needs of those they serve.
“Look around,” Edley urged the attendees, “We have some strength here. Let your voice be heard. Let your legislators know what you do and why it’s important.”
Pennsylvania’s Commitment to Independence
The Pennsylvania state government has shown some commitment to addressing these concerns. Governor Josh Shapiro’s office recently hosted a roundtable discussion specifically focused on programs supporting those with disabilities in home and community settings.
Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh emphasized the fundamental right of all Pennsylvanians to independence: “Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course. People with intellectual disabilities and autism are no exception.”
Arkoosh highlighted the historic investments in the 2024-25 bipartisan budget, which increased funding for disability services as part of a multi-year growth model. Governor Shapiro has proposed further funding increases to reduce waiting lists for essential services.
Federal Threats to Decades of Progress
Despite these state-level efforts, Williams expresses deep concern about the federal funding landscape, especially in today’s political climate that appears to be moving away from inclusion principles. Federal funding not only provides direct support but also establishes the framework that guides state and local policies.
“A lot of times, the federal government has come in and said, ‘These are the policies that we’ve created that help people with disabilities and these are the policies states are required to follow,'” Williams explained, noting that many of these protections have been in place for decades.
The Human Impact of Political Decisions
Williams, who has arthrogryposis and uses a wheelchair, has personally experienced the transformative power of inclusive policies. He recalls being segregated in a separate building during his early education before finally joining mainstream classrooms at age 15 through advocacy efforts.
With community support, Williams obtained a power wheelchair in 11th grade, went on to earn advanced degrees, and has worked at the Center for Independent Living for 40 years. His life exemplifies how proper support enables full participation in society.
Critical Funding Streams at Risk
A particular concern is the state “waiver” program funded through Medicaid, which provides alternatives to institutional care. These waivers cover essential services like personal care, homemaker services, respite care, and transportation that allow individuals with disabilities to live independently.
Williams receives support through Pennsylvania’s Act 150 program, which diverts funds from nursing home care to community-based support. Advocacy organizations have long pushed to “rebalance” Medicaid funding to prioritize home and community-based care over institutional settings.
The Fight Continues
Service providers remain “on the edge of their seat,” in Corey’s words, hoping their funding remains intact. The consequences of cuts would directly impact the quality of services provided and, ultimately, the independence and quality of life for thousands of Pennsylvanians with disabilities.
As federal and state budget negotiations continue, disability advocates emphasize that these are not merely financial decisions but choices that profoundly affect human lives and fundamental rights that have been hard-won over generations of advocacy.
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