Susan Senator

If you live in Massachusetts, please use this simple application to email the Governor about the draconian budget cuts to the Department of Developmental Services. Here is what I wrote:

Dear Governor Patrick,

I am the mother of a nineteen-year-old severely autistic young man. He
has been doing terrifically well because of his education and his
vocational opportunities. However, with the budget cuts at the Department
of Developmental Services and other disability agencies, I am very worried
about the impact on individuals like Nat, who have intellectual
disabilities — and their families. The current budget is a potential
disaster, a return to the dark times when disabled people had no hope, and
their families were the only support they had. How can that be, in a
state like Massachusetts, once a leader in civil rights and human services
causes??

The cuts total more than $90 million ($43.5 million at DDS alone), which
will hurt so many people: ? Older caregivers at home — will be even more
overburdened ? Adults with disabilities – will lose supports (and their
jobs as a result) ? High school graduates with disabilities – will be left
without options ? Children living at home – will be isolated with no
funding for services

I have just two requests:

1. Please do not hurt us more. We beg you not to veto the funding that did
make it into disability line-items. Our friends and families face the
same financial uncertainties as others and need these essential supports.

2. Please issue a deficiency/supplemental budget to address the vital
programs that we and our loved ones need — services such as
employment/day, family support, transportation and turning 22 at DDS,
supported employment, extended employment and independent living services
at the Mass. Rehabilitation Commission, and Early Intervention services at
the Department of Public Health.

Thank you,

Susan Senator