Gov. Tom Wolf announced that people with intellectual disabilities and autism and the providers of support services for these vulnerable Pennsylvanians will receive $260 million in CARES Act funding to help continue to provide services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This funding will help the more than 40,000 Pennsylvanians who receive assistance through one of the Department of Human Services’ programs or facilities,” Wolf said. “It will help to improve the quality of life for these vulnerable Pennsylvanians and those who have dedicated their lives to caring for them, and it will bring relief to families and loved ones knowing we are committed to providing the highest level of care possible, even during a pandemic.”
Wolf was joined by Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller, who outlined the details of funding allocations.
“These dollars are intended to supplement the budgets of an industry built on the values of service, caregiving and inclusion – an industry hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Miller said. “To all of our intellectual disability and autism service providers and direct support professionals – thank you for your tireless and selfless work over the past three months, and for your dedication to helping Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism achieve the everyday life they deserve.”
The $260 million will be allocated as follows:
– $90 million to providers of residential, respite and shift nursing services
– $80 million to providers of Community Participation Support services for 120 days of retainer payments, covering operations from March through June
– $90 million to providers of in-home and community, supported and small group employment, companion and transportation trip services for 120 days of retainer payments, covering operations from March through June
