Covid-19 is changing the way we live and will continue to impact us further. People with developmental disabilities (I/DD) receive services from agencies reimbursed only if their clients attend their programs.

The funding condition is holding our sons and daughters hostage at participating or become at risk of losing their services. If the services providers do not get paid during what is likely an imminent closure, many, if not all, will be forced to close their doors permanently. What then? Our I/DD system is already in financial crisis, programs regularly closing due to the I/DD system already being one billion dollars underfunded in California.

Governor Newsom, we need these programs to continue to be funded while being closed to preserve the health of our most vulnerable populations, many of whom have additional health issues. Authorize the Department of Developmental Services to continue payments to regional center funded programs during this pandemic.

Finally, the adults in programs put their parents at risk due to age and other health concerns should they contract the virus. Who will care for our adult children if we are too ill, or even worse?