Families urge immediate legislative action for DDD gap funding relief

During a recent Senate Appropriations meeting, urgent concerns were raised regarding the funding gap for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in Arizona. Advocates highlighted the critical need for immediate legislative action to secure funding, as the current uncertainty is leading to a troubling shortage of service providers for families relying on essential care.

A parent shared their personal experience, noting that their child's therapist recently left due to fears of funding cuts in the upcoming months. This situation is not isolated; a survey conducted on March 15 revealed that out of 620 DDD members, many are already feeling the impact of provider shortages. Alarmingly, 6% reported that a therapist had given notice to leave, while 2% of families were informed that their agencies might not be able to pay employees if funding does not come through soon.

The potential consequences of this funding gap are severe. Without immediate action, hundreds of provider agencies could face bankruptcy, leading to a significant reduction in access to care for disabled children and adults. This could result in increased hospitalizations due to the inability to receive daily care at home.

Advocates emphasized that even if gap funding were approved today, it would take weeks for the funds to reach the DDD, complicating the situation further. The call to action was clear: legislators must prioritize the appropriation of gap funding to prevent further disruptions in care.

In closing, the meeting underscored the importance of ensuring that all children, regardless of their abilities, receive the support they need to thrive in their homes and communities. The urgency of this issue reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable populations in Arizona.