As parents and providers for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) in Washington state, many of us have come up against lack of funds and wait lists for many services. One of the reasons is that “Developmental disabilities is one of the only social and human services left out of critical budget forecast that establishes entitlement spending. The result is that nearly 12,000 Washington residents eligible for services are left stranded on a seemingly endless waitlist for critical services. Adults with developmental disabilities may be qualified for services, but they are not entitled to them — a crucial distinction because it means so many get nothing.”

This quote comes from a very important opinion piece in the Seattle Times written by Stacy Dym, at the Arc of Washington State, explaining  the huge shortfall in funding for the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) population in our state.

Right now, there is a bill before the state legislature (Senate Bill 5268) which addresses this issue.

If you would like to have your voice heard, here is one simple thing you can to support SB 5268, which will take no more than 3 minutes:

Follow this link.

Enter your home address and click “Verify District” 

Your 3 state legislators (2 Representatives and 1 Senator) will be listed. Click on their names so they will receive your comments. 

Enter your feedback (Support, Oppose, Neutral) 

If you Support this bill, please Add this in your comments: 

“I support SB 5268 and ask that adults with developmental disabilities (like my son / student / neighbor) be included in budget caseload forecasts.  Please pass SB 5268 with amendments, including the CORE Waiver, which serves our highest need individuals who are currently not getting their needs met and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities  and families are suffering”