A-Team Advocacy
We Need to Act Now!
We are in a crisis. The Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) community urgently needs more residential options and higher wages for our dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). The well-being of countless individuals depends on immediate action.
This month, state leaders are making critical budget decisions. They need to hear from us—loud and clear—that adults with I/DD deserve better support and more resources. Now is the time to ROAR!
Take a moment to email the JFC at JFC_Public_Comment@delaware.gov and share your story:
-
Introduce yourself and the name of the child or adult with I/DD that you live with and/or care for.
-
Briefly (in 2 sentences) explain their limitations—such as cognitive level, ability to feed themselves, or make safety decisions independently. View a sample parent letter.
-
If you are a DSP, describe the financial challenges you face and emphasize how essential your job is in caring for Delaware’s most vulnerable citizens.
Please include this message and these 3 'action items' for the JFC in your email:
I respectfully ask you to please take action to protect the most vulnerable Delaware citizens by:
-
Increasing and/or modifying the HCBS waiver to allow citizens with I/DD more options to live in the community.
-
Allowing flexibility for citizens with I/DD to use their HCBS funds in the community housing option of their choice.
-
Approving funding to give DSPs a living wage. We are grateful to you for passing the McNesby Act. Unfortunately, DSPs still don’t earn a livable wage, yet they have the invaluable task of caring for adults who cannot take care of themselves. DSPs are the foundation of care needed for adults with I/DD to live their best lives.
Other Ways to Advocate:
-
Speak at a Virtual Meeting: If you’d like to share 2 minutes of comments (including the three requests above) during a virtual meeting on Feb 26 beginning at 12:30 p.m., register here: Zoom Registration
-
Advocate in Person: If you can drive to Legislative Hall (Dover) in person, please see this summary sheet.
Thank you in advance for speaking up—however you decide to do it. There is strength in numbers! A-Team DE needs to fill the email inbox, the Zoom meeting, or the Legislative Hall room with our voices. Go Team!
Questions? Email us at ateamofde@gmail.com.
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
Become an effective advocate for Delawareans with IDDs
The silver lining of Delaware being a small state is that many of us can personally get to know our State Senator and Representative, which can lead to a better understanding of our leaders recognizing the challenges we face as caregivers.
The more they know, the more they may be able to support funding or laws that will help those with I/DD – or those who care for them.
Click the button below to sign up for advocacy updates.
Caring for an adult child with disabilities in retirement (PBS News)
Hundreds of thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in America are living and receiving care at home. But their aging caregivers, many of whom are parents or siblings, are worried about who will continue to care for their loved ones when they are gone.
Watch this piece from PBS News to learn more.
Everyone must work with elected officials to solve whatever problems we all have.
Get into politics as if your life depends on it...because it does.”
Justin Dart, the "father" of ADA
