Pennsylvania’s Budget Expands Services to Individuals with Disabilities

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s proposed 2017-2018 budget provides the highest levels of support to people with disabilities in years. The budget provides $26.2 million to enable individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) and autism to move from the waiting list.

This funding recognizes the increased costs in providing services and paying direct care professionals and reduces the waiting list by 1,000 individuals with ID and autism through the creation of a new community support waiver.  The budget also provides employment and other community services to an additional 820 special education graduates with ID and autism and expands the Adult Autism Waiver to serve 50 more individuals.  The budget funds community services for 80 individuals transitioning from Hamburg Center and an additional 40 individuals at other state centers, more than 2,000 individuals with autism and ID to the Targeted Services Management State Plan; and Establishes of two bio-behavioral units to support people with complex neurodevelopmental needs.

 “The Wolf Administration is committed to supporting and investing in individuals with disabilities, and the governor’s proposed budget will enable more people to live and thrive in their communities,” said DHS Secretary Ted Dallas. “This budget provides the highest levels of support to people with disabilities in years, while saving taxpayers over 2 billion dollars through cuts, savings, and efficiencies.”

  “The governor’s investment in special education graduates will provide the necessary supports to allow more than 800 young people to transition to community living and employment, providing a better chance for success in the community, instead of high-cost services down the road,” said Nancy Thaler, Office of Developmental Programs Deputy Secretary.