White House Receives Report on Strengthening Independence for People with Disabilities

The President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID) recently delivered its 2024 report to President Biden, focusing on critical issues impacting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The report, titled “Advancing Independence and Community Integration for All: Supporting Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Through High-Quality Home and Community-Based Services”,  urges the government to take concrete steps to improve the lives of people with I/DD by addressing the labor crisis facing direct support professionals (DSPs), enhancing employment opportunities, supporting community living, and reforming federal support programs. By implementing these recommendations, the report envisions a more inclusive society where individuals with I/DD can fully participate and achieve independence in the communities of their choice.

A key theme throughout the report is the need to strengthen home and community-based services (HCBS) to support individuals with I/DD in living independently. The report identifies DSPs as playing a crucial role in this system, yet the report points out the severe labor shortage within this workforce. High turnover rates, low wages, and a general lack of proper training for DSPs create significant challenges in providing consistent, high-quality care. To address this, the report advocates for better career pathways, higher wages, and increased support for DSPs to ensure those with I/DD receive the care they need to thrive.

Employment for people with I/DD is another focus of the report. While many individuals want to work, they often face barriers to finding and keeping jobs. The report recommends boosting funding for job support programs, promoting competitive integrated employment, and encouraging entrepreneurship to help more individuals with I/DD join the workforce.

The report also examines community living and identifies gaps in housing, safety, transportation, and access to technology for people with I/DD. It stresses the need for expanding affordable and accessible housing options and increasing access to assistive technology to support greater independence.

Finally, the report addresses challenges within federal support programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It calls for reforms to modernize these programs by raising outdated asset limits, eliminating barriers between state Medicaid systems, and improving wait times to federal benefits like Medicare.