Searchby Teresa Anderson, MPH
Many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families have felt the consequences of losing social recreation and camping programs as a result of the 2009 budget cuts. In 2009 unprecedented budget shortfalls forced some of our most vulnerable people to endure significant cuts to what most would consider essential services. In the process of these cuts the Governor and the Legislature decided to suspend funding for social recreation and camping services until the state could implement the Individual Choice Budget. The suspension was always intended to be temporary and individuals and their families have long awaited restoration of this very important service.
Social recreation and camping programs are designed to meet individual needs in a group setting, fostering inclusion and independence. Friendships are formed, various skills – social, cognitive, motor, etc. – are developed and families can engage in activities that may otherwise not be possible. In March 2017 the Senate Health and Human Services Committee held an Oversight Hearing Moving Toward Equity: Addressing Disparities In Services Provided by the Regional Center System in which it was widely recognized that restrictions and limitations on these services disproportionately affects those individuals and families from cultural minorities because they are less likely to use out-of-home services like residential care. For many families, social recreation and camping services represented a significant portion of the services they most needed.
For the individuals and families that use, want and need access to these important services restoration is WELL PAST DUE! We urge the Governor and the legislature to do the right thing and fund these services. To find out more about restoration efforts visit: http://www.restoremyservices.net
Prevention Coordinato