Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers allow qualifying individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities to receive the services and supports they need to live in their homes and communities The Governor’s proposed 2018 budget included only 875 DD waiver slots for the 12,501 people who are on waiting lists for the DD Waiver program. Approximately 3,156 of those individuals are considered to be Priority Level 1 or in urgent need of a waiver.
On May 30, Virginia legislators agreed to funding for 1,695 new DD Waiver slots, far exceeding the Governor’s budget request.
Your advocacy, in the form of phone calls, letters, e-mails, and visits with your legislators, was key in educating your legislators on the importance of funding Priority 1 DD Waiver slots. Take the time today to thank your legislators for these additional DD Waiver slots.
And mark your calendars to join us next January for DD Advocacy Day at the General Assembly!
To learn more about Autism Society Central Virginia, visit http://ascv.org/