ADDP NEW BANNER 2011
Senate Hope
Hopes for the Senate Budget
Employment Blueprint, Chapter 257 Residential and Autism Key Priorities
Key FY 15 Budget Priorities:


5920-2000 DDS Residential Services Chapter 257 Compliance

 ADDP and other disability advocates are hoping that the Senate Budget will fully fund  Adult Long Term Residential programs in order to comply with Chapter 257.  The House Budget funded this line item $3 million below the Governor's House Two request.
Key FY 15 Budget Priorities:


5920-3010  Autism Services

 ADDP and other disability advocates are deeply concerned about the increasing number of children being identified with autism and related disorders. The demand for services is exceeding the capacity of current programs and Autism Resource Centers.  The waiting list for individuals applying for the federal autism waiver is currently at 400 and is expected to grow substantially in the coming year.  Additional funding is needed for both the waiver and Autism Support Centers.
Senate Ways & Means Budget Out Wednesday

 

inclusive employment banner
Day and Employment Blueprint,
Line Item 5920-2025 and 5920-2026 allowing people with developmental disabilities to enroll in more
inclusive and higher wage earning job programs  and/or Community Based Day Support Programs. The Governor provided $5.5 million to start this program, but the House reduced this amount to $1 million.   Failure to restore this amount may delay people with disabilities from leaving sheltered workshops programs and moving to enriched day services and/or employment in the community 

The overwhelming majority of the disability community has endorsed the Employment Blueprint, though a small group of parents have objected to the potential closure of sheltered workshops by July of 2015.  In response, the Department of Developmental Services has indicated a willingness to work with families to include choice, an extension of any closure date and some limited opportunities for continued service models. 

Supporters of the Blueprint include: 
  • Governor Deval Patrick  
  • EOHHS 
  • DDS 
  • The Arc of Massachusetts
  • MFOFC  
  • Mass Advocates Standing Strong (MASS) 
  • The Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at UMASS
  • ADDP

 

 

The only organized opposition has come from COFAR, a small but vocal group of opponents of institutional closure.  This is the group that has organized the roadblocks to closing Fernald Developmental Center, which now houses 6 individuals.