Reform the care system for people with developmental disabilities to prevent additional tragedies

The care system for many thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) is in crisis. Facility closures, service cuts, increasing abuse and an overall lack of oversight are symptoms of the crisis. The system is falling short - our country must protect one of its most vulnerable populations. How can it meet the needs of the 200,000+ individuals waiting for services? Highly publicized tragedies involving people with ID/DD in all settings speak to the urgent need for a solution. Proposed cuts to Medicaid, a life-line for the majority of people with ID/DD, and related policies which eliminate, rather than expand, services will only make the present crisis worse. Advocates must set biases aside and unite. Elected officials must act. The need is urgent.