During these extraordinary times everyone is making sacrifices. We’re donning face coverings (if we’re able to) and maintaining physical distance when venturing out. These two seemingly simple acts are very challenging for some of us with disabilities. Some of us need assistance putting on a face covering. Others can’t leave  the house, get out of bed, or eat without another person’s help.

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) assists people with disabilities and the elderly, who are low income, with daily living activities. The tasks include housekeeping, preparing and feeding meals, and assistance with personal hygiene. All of these are essential to maintain a healthy quantity of life. The time allotted by IHSS to consumers is never wasted.

Decreasing the hours for IHSS by 7% would be detrimental to the consumers and providers. The consumers won’t have enough time to have all their needs met. Some will have to decide between showering and eating.  The people performing these services are essential. They already make less than the California minimum wage. A decrease in the number of work hours equals a decline in wages. Meaning hard working people will experience more financial hardship, through no fault of their own.

Home and Community-Based Services is meant to keep people with disabilities in their homes and communities. IHSS plays a key role. With a decrease in support services people with disabilities will be forced back into institutionalized settings. Do not make the mistake of taking a giant step backwards, especially now with coronavirus. The virus is proven to transmit rapidly when people are in close proximity, such as nursing homes. By decreasing the support services  to people who are otherwise healthy they could be forced into dangerous settings.  Plus nursing homes/care facilities charge 3-4 times more than IHSS. Keeping people in their homes is more cost effective.  Please sign this petition to tell our representatives to leave IHSS alone.