Great idea
Gov. Tom Corbett has pushed for several major initiatives in recent weeks. He aims to reform the state’s public pension systems. He wants to sell the state liquor stores. He is trying to win approval of a plan to spend more money on transportation.
In Corbett’s 2013-14 spending plan, he made a pitch that received less publicity but deserves the attention and support of lawmakers and the public. He wants lawmakers to boost money and services for those with physical and intellectual disabilities.
The governor deserves support in the strongest possible terms. If anything, we hope that Corbett’s budget is a starting point.
The governor has proposed a $20 million increase in his budget to provide community-based services for those with disabilities. Those services aid people with Down syndrome, autism and a host of other challenges. It is a fraction of his $28.4 billion budget.
For parents of children with disabilities, the most maddening two words in the English language may be “waiting list.” After children with disabilities grow up, in many cases they are too old for services supported by the state.
The governor bluntly and correctly said in his speech introducing the budget, “That waiting list is a powerful metaphor for what has gone wrong in our society.”
Corbett urged lawmakers to help ensure that the waiting list is eliminated. It was a moving appeal and it’s to his credit that he devoted significant time in his budget address to talking about children with disabilities. It’s a topic that needs much more conversation.
The Arc of Pennsylvania says that more than 15,000 people are on the waiting list for community-based services. More than 4,100 of those are on the emergency list for services.
Corbett’s budget would help 380 individuals on the waiting list, and another 700 people who are graduating out of special education services. More than 100 individuals with autism would gain assistance.
The Arc has rightfully praised Corbett’s efforts.
Nonetheless, there are areas where the budget could be improved. Special education funding is flat. While money is tight in state government, special education funding hasn’t grown in six years, the Arc notes. Corbett has proposed for more money for preschool and early intervention, which could help those with disabilities.
The plan would also direct 100 more people into state centers for those with disabilities, and advocates would prefer to see more directed to less restrictive home- and community-based services.
Community and home-based services can help young adults with special needs live rich, full lives. They also provide relief to parents who ache to see their children enjoy life and not endure hollow, empty days.
People with disabilities are living longer, and that’s one of the shining successes in public health in recent years. As late as the 1980s, the typical person with Down syndrome only lived to about 23. Now the average lifespan is close to 60.
However, this remarkable development poses a challenge. Children are now outliving their parents. Many parents are growing too old to care for their grown children with disabilities.
“These young people and their families have waited long enough,” Corbett said in his budget address.
“We will find a way to erase this waiting list.”
Investing more money and more attention — would be a great start.
– Harrisburg Patriot-News