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IDD commission urges implementation manager to tackle HCBS workforce crisis and offers advocacy training proposals
Summary
The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Commission asked the committee to fund an implementation manager to execute the 2023 Home and Community‑Based Services workforce task‑force recommendations, and proposed family advocacy workshops and an interagency work group to help families navigate IEPs and special‑education services.
The Montgomery County Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Commission (IDD Commission) told the Health and Human Services Committee that workforce shortages among direct support professionals threaten quality of care and independent living for people with developmental disabilities, and asked the county to create an implementation manager role to coordinate and act on a 2023 HCBS workforce task‑force report.
Jake Dodinski, an IDD commissioner, described alarming national and local workforce indicators: wide staffing shortages in care facilities and high turnover among direct care workers. He argued the county should implement the 47‑page task‑force report produced in 2023 and requested a part‑time implementation manager to coordinate recommendations rather than a full‑time new department position.
The commission also proposed a two‑part family advocacy initiative: a virtual listening session for families to share special‑education experiences followed by an in‑person advocacy workshop for parents, teachers and self‑advocates to improve navigation of IEP processes and supports. Dodinski said better family advocacy can "future proof" outcomes by enabling caregivers to secure needed support regardless of staffing or political changes.
The commission emphasized that workforce stabilization, family advocacy and cross‑agency problem‑solving are interdependent: a stronger DSP workforce supports families, and empowered families improve school and outcomes for people with IDD.
The committee acknowledged the workforce crisis and discussed potential partnership and follow‑up; no budget decision was made during the session.
