On October 11, 2011, thousands of families, support staff and people with autism and developmental disabilities formed a circle of hope around the Rhode Island State House to bring attention to the severe budget cuts to services for people with developmental disabilities despite the national emphasis placed on the success of these local programs. These cuts not only affected the budgets, but Rhode Islander's trust in a state that will continue to lead the nation in successful programs that take our disabled and turn them into Handi-abled.
I am a voter who cares about supportive services for our developmentally disabled in Rhode Island and want to see Supplemental Appropriation to restore funding of services for people with developmental disabilities.Such services mean the difference between more individuals with autism depending upon the state for future aide and aiding citizens with autism in becoming contributing members of society for our future.
Going forward, I ask our legislators to renew his and her commitment to this Rhode Island community and their respective, families, friends, teachers, aides, therapists and supporters. This community is unique in its challenges and needs, but with these vital programs it is also endless in opportunities to succeed.
Our state motto is Hope. Restore the funds that were cut to our developmentally challenged but Handi-abled Community and Restore the trust in Rhode Islanders. With trust, there is Hope for us all.