Waiting Lists, Inadequate Funding for Disability Services -- and More Cuts on the Way?

I recently joined the board of the Arc of Montgomery County, which advocates for people with developmental disabilities and provides direct services to people from infants to seniors. Today as part of my orientation, I visited several residential, vocational, educational, and day care programs throughout the county. While I was impressed with the level of service these people are receiving and the dedication of the providers, I couldn't help but think of the nearly 20,000 people in Maryland who are on a waiting list for these critical services.

And even the existing services are in danger because of budget cuts. Even if you're not in Maryland, read this alert, "People with Developmental Disabilities at Risk of Losing Services." Whichever state you're in, people with disabilities are facing these same risks. With long waiting lists, people are already being denied services they desperately need. This is no time to make additional cuts.