Caregiver funding crisis spreads to Nebraska
Xavier Olmo • March 20, 2024
The underfunding of developmental disability caregivers in the United States has been a longstanding issue that affects both the quality of care provided to individuals with developmental disabilities and the well-being of the caregivers themselves. Developmental disabilities encompass a range of conditions that affect cognitive, physical, and/or behavioral functioning, such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other intellectual disabilities. Nebraska is now one of a growing number of states faced with a funding crisis as it's Republican Governor Jim Pillen proposed reduced funding increases for service programs and providers in favor of cutting property taxes by 40%. Colorado was the latest to make news with 10+ closures of service providers statewide leading to a drastic increase in abandonments of intellectually disabled individuals at hospitals.
DDA (Developmental Disability Administration) services and programs rely on already lean Government-funding to stay afloat as they struggle to find workers willing to take inconsistent hours and no health or retirement benefits subsequently leading to ultra-high turnover rates. Advocates argue that a meager 2% increase is a net reduction in funding considering inflation programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities are often underfunded, leading to limited resources for staffing, equipment, and support services. This results in increased pressure on caregivers to do more with fewer resources.
Advocates took to the states capitol to protest the move but will it be enough to pressure change? Some, sadly, say it will not as it's too little, too late. One frustrated advocate says " These big advocacy organizations like the Arc's fought hard as a united front for funding years ago, made sure to line their pockets with absurd executive salaries and, since, fell asleep at the wheel. Now that the death of their programs are at their ivory doors and their way of life is under threat, they come out of the woodworks; it's ridiculous." He further emphasized how all programs and organizations nationwide need to "unite and fight this issue with a strong leader like the United Auto Workers Union is doing."
Check out KETV's local coverage of the protest
here.
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