March 16, 2016
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AAPPD to Advocate for DES Funding Restoration for Intellectual and Developmental (IDD) Services at House Budget Forum in Yuma
PHOENIX - Arizona Association of Providers for People with Disabilities (AAPPD) member agencies and caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) will attend the Arizona House Appropriations Committee Town Hall Forum in Yuma this Saturday, March 19th to advocate for the restoration of funding for IDD services.
IDD services were cut by 15% in 2008 and funding has still not been restored to pre-2008 levels. Providers are still expected to provide the same services as before the cuts, and because a majority of agency expenses are caregiver wages, many caregivers now make only $8-9.25 an hour. This has resulted in massive staff turnover of 56-75% in urban and rural areas, respectively, and a shortage of direct care professionals.
“Compassionate individuals who are gifted caregivers deserve to be paid what they are worth. If we can’t do that, then the system is failing us, it’s failing them and most of all it’s failing those they serve,” said AAPPD Chair Carol Carr. “It’s really telling when such a large group of people mobilize to try to make a change, I think those attending the budget forum on Saturday are interested in letting their elected officials know that there are consequences to not restoring funding for IDD services.”
AAPPD is a 501 (c) 4 statewide consortium of providers contracted to deliver services to individuals with intellectual and developmental and/or physical disabilities, and has served the state of Arizona since 1985. AAPPD provides advocacy, counsel and other services to more than 85 member organizations that share a common dedication to the needs of individuals and families with disabilities. Get our latest news by visiting AAPPD.org.
