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 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
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.
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...