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Participants describe gains from services and warn cuts would put them at risk
Summary
Multiple participants who use residential habilitation services told the committee that funding reductions would jeopardize their independence, safety and community participation, giving personal accounts of employment, housing and health improvements tied to current services.
Several people who receive residential habilitation services described how supports helped them remain housed, gain employment and develop life skills, and they asked senators not to reduce funding without clear safeguards.
Caitlin Hodges, a participant with Legacy Reshab Services, said she had been in and out of institutional settings before the services and now has a job, a driver’s license and housing. "If you cut the budget, you're not only taking weekly learning activities... and we suffer too," she said, asking senators to "please consider not doing the cut." Other participants including Sophie Crapo, Angel Bridal and Tiffany Wood described how staff support helped them manage behavior, attend community events and pursue health care.
