Cutting Funds for Developmentally Disabled: A Decision with Devastating Consequences

A coalition of disability organizations, including Ability360 and Disability Rights Arizona, is raising alarms over proposed funding cuts to the Arizona Department of Economic Security’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). The Arizona House of Representatives Appropriations Committee is advocating for drastic cost reductions of 25%-50% or the elimination of the Parents as Paid Caregivers (PPCG) program, threatening essential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Advocates warn that these measures could have catastrophic effects on countless families who depend on the DDD. They urge legislators to explore sustainable solutions instead of dismantling crucial services. Immediate action is needed to maintain funding and ensure the stability of the support system that many I/DD individuals rely on daily.

Background

The PPCG program was initiated in response to a crisis within the direct support professional (DSP) workforce, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many families have turned to this program to secure consistent care for their loved ones amid significant staffing shortages. While not meant to replace a sustainable DSP workforce, it provides a critical emergency measure that has successfully met urgent caregiver needs and improved outcomes for children.

According to a 2023 survey by the Raising Voices Coalition, parent caregivers previously reported an average stress level of 78 out of 100. Following the implementation of the PPCG program, that number plummeted to 32. Abolishing this program without addressing workforce issues would thrust families back into a state of heightened stress, posing risks to both caregivers and recipients.

No Alternatives

Arizona’s DSP workforce is already experiencing significant shortages, with many agencies struggling to hire due to low wages and high turnover rates. Further service cuts would worsen care shortages, stripping individuals of essential support necessary for independent living and community participation. Such actions would likely drive additional workers from the field, exacerbating the crisis.

Services for individuals with disabilities are critical — not merely optional. They are necessary for the health and rights of Arizonans. The disability service system is a multibillion-dollar sector that drives Arizona’s economy. Cutting costs without regard to long-term implications could lead to higher overall expenditures through increased emergency interventions and hospitalizations.

A Right to Live in the Community

The landmark Supreme Court ruling in Olmstead v. LC reinforces the right of individuals with disabilities to receive community-based services. Advocates are calling on community members and organizations to join their efforts in seeking full funding for DDD services and rejecting any actions that threaten the welfare of Arizona’s I/DD community.

The urgency of this matter underscores a collective responsibility to protect the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations. JJ Rico, executive director of Disability Rights Arizona, Melanie Mills of The Arc of Arizona, and Jon Meyers of the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, emphasize the time-sensitive nature of this call to action.