Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf’s announcement that $260 million in CARES Act funding will be distributed to the providers of services supporting Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism was received with praise by advocacy groups.
“We will emerge from the COVID-19 crisis strongest if we continue to take care of one another, and that includes vulnerable Pennsylvanians,” said Gov. Wolf. “This funding will help ensure Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities or autism receive the high-quality care they deserve, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also support the hardworking Pennsylvanians who have dedicated their lives to caring for these individuals and provide peace of mind to the families of these individuals.”
Richard Edley, President and CEO, Rehabilitation & Community Providers Association (RCPA):
“Throughout it all, this administration has shown needed flexibility in both policy administration and financial support, and that truly has made a world of difference for providers and families. This additional funding is absolutely critical because the challenges these agencies face won’t simply disappear when the pandemic ends.”
Cherie Brummans, Executive Director, Alliance of Community Service Providers:
“The Alliance of Community Service Providers supports and appreciates the allocation of CARES Act funding as this relief is critically important to sustain the services to some of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens.”
Sherri Landis, Executive Director, The Arc of Pennsylvania:
“The Arc of Pennsylvania is grateful to Governor Wolf and Secretary Miller for their leadership in allocating CARES funding for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to continue to receive the support and services they need to live and thrive in the community. The $260 million dollars is a lifeline to the 50,000+ individuals with I/DD and their families who live in the community and receive community-based supports and services. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the community-based system has tirelessly continued to provide individuals with the life-sustaining services in their communities.”
Mark Davis, President and CEO, Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability (PAR):
“The Governor and lawmakers in both chambers have lifted the lives of tens of thousands of our state’s most vulnerable individuals, as well as the Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who provide the lifesaving care to individuals with ID/A. Our members and the families they serve are enormously grateful.”
Patrick DeMico, Executive Director, The Provider Alliance:
“Today our members are receiving notice of these essential funds. We are extremely grateful to the Commonwealth for acknowledging the tireless efforts of those supporting people with intellectual disabilities and autism. All have faced challenges and difficulties to sustain services providing needed care and support throughout the pandemic. Our gratitude to all who have advocated with us, and to our partners in government to obtain their support and understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by those with disabilities. We thank and applaud Governor Wolf, DHS leadership, and our lawmakers for their support and action on our behalf.”
