What happens if we don’t continue to provide programs that promote choice and independence? What happens if we don’t ensure that our individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are protected? Last year we all celebrated as we worked through challenges because of the pandemic. We need to continue the momentum, but more importantly we need to understand the challenges coming for families and those with I/DD.

  • The American Rescue Plan, used to recruit and retain the work force serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will end on July 1.
  • Appendix K, the provision that relaxes staff-to-client ratios, without compromising safety, will end and will impact the capacity to serve clients.
  • The Governor’s budget reflects a 5% increase for state employees widening the gap for those Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) working at state institutions versus those working in the private sector. This creates a scenario where the private sector cannot compete with the state government.
  • The minimum wage will rise a dollar per hour during the next budget year as required by state constitution, making it more difficult to compete and hire Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) without a corresponding increase in the iBudget.
  • The iBudget has not addressed inflation in the non-wage operational costs for providers serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the Home and Community-based Waiver Program for the past five years. Without these resources, our vulnerable population won’t be able to live independently in their own home or in their community.

CVS Future Leaders – Talent of Tomorrow Program. At the end of February, CVS executives with the Future Leaders/Talent of Tomorrow Program met at The Long Center at The Arc of Tampa Bay. Beth Tasis, Executive Director of The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation, started with a presentation and then the executives engaged in mock interviews with many consumers.

Pictured from left to right: Dina Justice, Director of Marketing and Communications for The Arc of Florida; Jennifer Radigan, Associate Executive Director for The Arc Tampa Bay; Rick Laferriere, Lead Director, Workforce Initiatives; Beth Tasis, Executive Director of The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation; Kathleen Border, CEO Ridge Area Arc.
Thank you for your advocacy! If you want additional information regarding this issues, please contact our CEO Alan Abramowitz at alan@arcflorida.org or 850.241.3232.