Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) legislative forum

The Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) legislative forum at the State House today focused on funding and housing. Funding of service providers is critical right now as a 26% staff vacancy rate for direct support professionals leaves more than 2700 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on a wait list for services. Housing was a key focus as the lack of workforce housing limits the availability of workers able to provide services. The graphic of what is affordable to people making solid incomes highlights the critical need for housing in our state. Grateful to Chris White, CEO of Road To Responsibility, Inc., and Stephanie Costa, CEO of New England Village, providers of residential and day services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our district (and beyond), for spending time with me to discuss their programs and the needs of this community.