We must sustain funding for Californians with developmental disabilities

OPINION – As states, organizations, and individuals across the nation continue to brace for potentially devastating cuts to Medicaid programs from the federal level, it remains vital that the California State Budget preserve funding that supports critical and necessary services for more than 450,000 Californians with developmental disabilities.

As the only developmental disabilities entitlement in the Country, it has been embedded in California’s fabric for more than 50 years that we have a sustained commitment to support our community of individuals with developmental disabilities through The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. Supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families has been a pillar of California’s responsibility, in good financial times and in bad.

With the recent State Budget May Revise release, there is an unfortunate clarity around the programs and services that are on the chopping block with a $12 billion budget deficit. And while the situation is less dire than last year’s substantial deficit, there remains considerable concern around impacts to the developmental disability community. Proposed May Revise program cuts for our community would significantly cut the incomes of family caregivers while creating potential gaps in care, limit the availability of individually tailored services, and eliminate professional development and pay increases meant to help frontline staff turn supporting people with disabilities from a short-term job into a career. This coupled with potentially disastrous federal cuts to key programs and services to this same population, creates a perfect storm for uncertainty and insecurity for nearly half a million Californians.

These Californians are served and supported through the state’s developmental services system, including 21 regional centers. Centers are interdependent community-based organizations that act as the hub of the system. They are partners for people with developmental disabilities and their families, connecting them to services to meet a lifetime of changing needs. The regional centers are where service starts.

As individuals who have been deeply involved in the regional center system for years in different capacities, the perspectives and insights we have on the impacts that the system and individuals are facing gives us considerable concern and calls for the continued education of elected officials so they understand the real-life impact of their decisions on people with disabilities.

And while we understand the financial realities and tough decisions facing the State, there must also be recognition from elected officials about how critical it is to preserve funding in less than certain times. Just because government resources decline, doesn’t mean the needs of those living with disabilities also decline.

Now is the time to keep the promise to those who need it most. As California policymakers and the Administration continue to look at programs to cut for savings to the General Fund and as they get closer to solidifying plans for the final budget which will be released in mid-June, we must remind them of the population that relies on state funding to live a productive and fulfilling life in their communities.

We find ourselves in unprecedented times that will test the resolve of each and every one of us, but what remains is the ability to come together and have a united front to show up for this community that relies on critical state support, even when the federal government decides to turn its back on them.

Sustained funding and long-term investments remain critical to serving Californians with developmental disabilities. We urge policymakers and the Administration to remain dedicated to the considerable progress made for and with Californians with developmental disabilities. This commitment to ensure that people with disabilities can increasingly be part of everyday life not only benefits those living with disabilities but helps us all benefit from their contributions.

Amy Westling is executive director of the Association of Regional Center Agencies, representing California’s network of 21 community-based, nonprofit regional centers.

Tracey Mensch is a self-advocate served by Kern Regional Center and serves as the President of the regional center and the Chair of the Client Advisory Committee of the Association of Regional Center Agencies.