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
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, ...
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.