My son was just a baby when a tragic incident changed our lives forever. A babysitter placed him on his stomach in a crib filled with blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals. This led to suffocation and resulted in a traumatic brain injury. Today, he lives with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, cortical visual impairment and cannot talk, walk or eat independently. I trust no one else to watch him.

This is not just my story - it's the reality for many families across Indiana who have children with disabilities. We rely heavily on parental attendant care services because there is simply not enough professional help available due to the national shortage of nurses and caregivers.

The possibility of ending these services is more than detrimental; it's catastrophic for us parents who cannot work due to lack of caregivers. It leaves us without any support system while we provide round-the-clock care for our children.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018), home health aides and personal care aides are among the fastest-growing occupations yet still fall short of meeting demand by a significant margin.

We implore you not only as parents but as citizens deeply concerned about the welfare of all children in Indiana: Do not end parental attendant care services for children with disabilities! Stand up for those who need your help most – sign this petition today!