SHARE YOUR STORY, PROTECT FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES

For more than 35 years, Service Coordination Inc. (SCI), has strongly advocated for the people, families and communities we serve. We recently learned of possible cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) funding for community services in the upcoming state fiscal year 2021 budget. These cuts directly threaten the services and workforce dedicated to supporting families across the state. There are many ways to support the services and programs which support people with disabilities, like volunteering, meal sharing, donations, and of course advocating.

If you feel strongly about this topic and would like to share your story, keep reading and follow the steps below. Thank you for adding your voice!

WHAT WE STAND TO LOSE

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated a workforce crisis that was near a breaking point before the outbreak. Adequate service rates are essential to maintaining skilled staff during the COVID-19 crisis and in ensuring they will continue to exist post crisis. Without a qualified workforce, there can be no community services delivery system for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, many of whom have no other caregivers.
  • Reductions in funding to community services for the 17,000+ Marylanders with I/DD will threaten the ability of community providers to maintain the workforce of 25,000 Direct Support Professionals and endanger the lives of the people who receive support.
  • 12,000 Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities that we serve at Service Coordination are at risk to lose services.
  • Designating direct support professionals who provide services as essential healthcare workers is significant and during this pandemic people with I/DD need more robust and better funded services than ever before, this should continue.

What You Can Do – 3 Steps

1. TELL YOUR STORY

Tell your story!  In your own words, please describe how community-based services have helped you and your family.  Share the importance of keeping these services in place and what it means if they are removed due to budget cuts.  In addition, please share your experience living through the COVID-19 pandemic.  How have services helped you through the pandemic or lack of services made life more difficult?

2. SPREAD THE NEWS

  • Please email the contacts below.
  • Post your story online on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.  You can choose a platform or post to all three!
  • Remember to tag us in your story @ServiceCoord

3. MAKE THE DEADLINE

Please send your emails and post your message by May 31, 2020. We look forward to reading your stories! Remember to tag us @ServiceCoord

CONTACT LIST

Deputy Secretary Bernard Simons
Developmental Disabilities Administration
bernard.simons@maryland.gov

Secretary David Brinkley
Department of Budget and Management
david.brinkley@maryland.gov

Secretary Robert Neall
Department of Health
robert.neall@maryland.gov

Lt Governor Boyd Rutherford
lt.governor@maryland.gov