California Gov. Newsom reaches agreement with legislature on historic investment for state’s disability support system

By Mark Hagen

A short time ago, Gov. Gavin Newsom formally signed the FY2021-22 California state budget agreement between his administration and the legislature. The voices of disability advocates were heard loud and clear in Sacramento and helped secure a historic investment in our state’s disability support system.

The budget includes $89.9 million in State General Funding to begin a five-year phase of rate models proposed in the 2019 Department of Developmental Services (DDS) regional center provider rate study.

Other important victories include:

• Elimination of the uniform holiday schedule;
• Flexibilities to improve competitive integrated employment and paid internships for people with disabilities allowing them to work additional hours;
• Funding to enhance service coordinator ratios and performance standards at the 21 Regional Centers;
• Establishment of an Office of the Ombudsperson for the Self Determination Program;
• Suspension of the rate freeze on Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/DD) and Pediatric Subacute Facilities;
• Creation of Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources and Treatment (START) mobile crisis teams to provide 24-hour crisis prevention and response services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities; and,
• Inclusion of general funds to establish a training and certification program for direct support professionals (DSPs) – a very positive step in addressing the worsening DSP workforce crisis.

Our work is not done but this budget gives us the tools and resources we need to work together to better the lives of all people with disabilities. We embrace the opportunity to join self-advocates and their families, the California Department of Developmental Services, other disability service providers and the state legislature to work cooperatively toward implementation of these welcomed budget provisions.

While this investment is an essential first step in stabilizing our disability support system, we must remember that it is just that – a first step. We will remain diligent in our efforts to see that this investment in implemented in a way that ensures choice, supports quality and embraces the goals and needs of all people with disabilities and their families.

A heartfelt thank you to all who worked so hard to secure this significant victory for people with disabilities.