Legislative Advocacy
The Delaware County Advocacy & Resource Organization speaks out at local, state, and national levels. The Delaware County Advocacy & Resource Organization strives to inform families of upcoming legislation proposals and changes that directly impact individuals with disabilities.
The Delaware County Advocacy & Resource Organization also encourages constituents to contact their local, state and national government officials to let the staff in Harrisburg and Washington know that individuals in Delaware County care about the decisions they are making in regards to individuals with disabilities.
CONTACT US »
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SPEAK UP AND BE HEARD!!! |
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Join DCARO in supporting Governor Shapiro's 2024-2025 Proposed Budget
that significantly supports and inpacts the Intellectual Disability Population in our Commonwealth.
Contact your Legislators NOW and ask them to vote to approve the Governor's Proposed Budget investment in our ID/A Community!!! Call....visit.....write....any way you have to reach your Legislators is what we are asking you to do.
Increased DSP Wages - DSPs help keep Pennsylvania families together. Without DSPs families are left to provide services on their own, possibly quit their jobs, and put additional stress on the family. These workers provide the care and the services that allow individuals with ID/A to remain at home or in their community. Without these services, some individuals with ID/A would have to live in a nursing home or hospital. DSPs bathe, cloth and feed individuals with ID/A. They administer medications and teach money management and social skills. DSPs transport individuals to work, shopping, medical appointments and social activities. Many of the individuals served are in wheelchairs or have sensory and behavioral issues. DSPs serve as occupational therapy assistants, Dietitians and Nutritionists, Exercise Trainers, Group Fitness Instructors, and as Career Counselors and Advisors. New rates mean higher pay for DSPs, resulting in higher wages and more competitive wages to attract more staff to the field. Higher wages also allow for DSPs to continue to work in the field and make a career out of it, retaining those who want to stay in the field but may otherwise be unable to afford to.
These key service provision individuals need to make a living wage that allow them to remain in the field and continue making a difference in individual's lives!
Additional Waiver Capacity - There are over 13,000 people with ID/A on the waiting list and, right now, we are serving 50,000 individuals. Some individuals have been on that list for several years. That is just unacceptable. Governor Shapiro's Proposed Budget will provide: 1,250 community living waivers and 400 consolidated waivers (this year) AND 1,250 community living waivers and 250 consolidated waivers (2024-25).
These key service provision individuals need to make a living wage that allow them to remain in the field and continue making a difference in individual's lives!
Additional Waiver Capacity - There are over 13,000 people with ID/A on the waiting list and, right now, we are serving 50,000 individuals. Some individuals have been on that list for several years. That is just unacceptable. Governor Shapiro's Proposed Budget will provide: 1,250 community living waivers and 400 consolidated waivers (this year) AND 1,250 community living waivers and 250 consolidated waivers (2024-25).
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Left to right are: (front) Diane Perry, Former President of the Delaware County Advocacy & Resource Organization Board of Directors, Erin Perry, (back) William Deltoro, #IWantToWorkCampaign, Tammy Ruffin, Representive Maria Donatucci, (PA-185th District); Susan Proulx, Former Deputy Administrator Delaware County Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Representative Leanne Krueger (PA-161st District); Colleen Shepherd, and Eileen MacDonald, Executive Director of theDelaware County Advocacy & Resource Organization. |