Senator Jarrett Coleman of Pennsylvania led a public hearing through the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee to discuss Senate Bill 657. The bill aims to remove regulatory barriers affecting housing and work opportunities for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD).
Coleman introduced the bill after hearing from families affected by IDD who are unable to access certain housing options and programs available in other states. Current regulations from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) impose restrictions that exceed federal Medicaid qualifications, prompting Coleman to seek legislative action.
During the hearing, various families, providers, and associations voiced their support for more residential and vocational options for individuals with IDD. Despite the significance of the issue, DHS did not attend to testify in person.
Coleman expressed his dissatisfaction with DHS’s absence, stating, “I recognize it’s not going to be easy to change these regulations. There are bureaucrats in DHS and even some well-intentioned advocacy organizations who fear giving individuals with IDD and their families additional options and more freedom to select the residential and vocational settings of their choice. I’m glad I started this conversation, and now I need DHS to work with me on making real progress, like other states have already done, that expands freedom and opportunity for the IDD community.”
For further information, contact Leo Knepper at 717-787-1349.
