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CALL TO ACTION:
THE DISABILITY SERVICE SYSTEM
IS IN CRISIS!
Did you know:
- Over 1 in 100 children today are diagnosed on the autism spectrum.
- 94% of people diagnosed on the autism spectrum in California live at home with their parents.
As these children reach adulthood in growing numbers, the life long prospect of direct care giving responsibility spells disaster for the financial, emotional and physical well being of families.
Parents need respite from often exhausting and unrelenting care giving efforts; they need to be able to work to pay their bills; and let's face it, eventually - all parents will die. Who will care for their children then? As growing numbers of children on the spectrum exit the school system, many families are desperately seeking long term housing and service solutions. Yet, outside the home, very little currently exists to support these families and their adult children.
The State government's response to this looming tsunami of need has been to acknowledge that there is a serious problem, but as regards solutions: absolute silence and inaction: No new funding or services are planned to meet the needs of a vast increase in adults with autism. In the just-released Governor's budget revise for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2015, zero dollars of increased funding is provided for the community-based disability service system that is already reeling from 15 years of frozen rates. Inevitably, many local service providers are closing due to financial losses.
Our Governor and State legislators appear far more concerned with establishing a legacy of fiscal conservatism than with ensuring the well-being of families and their adult children with autism.
In solidarity,
Craig C. King
Executive Director
Greater Opportunities
900 Lafayette Street, Suite 700
Santa Clara, CA 95050
408-248-4464 x23
cking@greateropp.org
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