Rally To Restore Funding for People With IDD 2018
On May 23, 2018, hundreds of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families, and advocates gathered at the Rhode Island State House to rally for the restoration of funding for IDD services.
The rally was organized by the Arc of Rhode Island, a statewide advocacy organization for people with IDD. The Arc of Rhode Island was concerned about a proposed $18.4 million cut in funding for IDD services in the state’s budget.
The rally was a success, and the governor ultimately agreed to restore the funding. The rally also helped to raise awareness of the importance of IDD services and the need to ensure that people with IDD have access to the supports they need to live full and independent lives.
Speakers at the rally included people with IDD, their families, and advocates. They spoke about the importance of IDD services and the impact that the proposed cuts would have on people with IDD and their families.
One speaker, a woman with IDD named Sarah, said that the proposed cuts would “make it harder for me to live the life I want to live.” She said that she relies on IDD services to help her with activities of daily living, such as getting dressed and bathing. She also said that IDD services help her to participate in her community and to make friends.
Another speaker, a man with IDD named John, said that the proposed cuts would “leave people with IDD behind.” He said that IDD services are essential for people with IDD to be able to live independently and to contribute to their communities.
The rally was a powerful demonstration of the support for IDD services in Rhode Island. The governor’s decision to restore the funding was a victory for people with IDD and their families. However, the fight for IDD services is not over. There are still many challenges ahead, but the rally showed that people with IDD and their families are determined to ensure that they have access to the supports they need.
The rally was also a reminder of the importance of advocacy. People with IDD and their families cannot rely on the government to do the right thing. They need to be vocal about their needs and to demand that their voices are heard. The rally was a success because people with IDD and their families stood up and spoke out.