This article is excerpted by The Inclusion Daily Express.
CILs Angered Over Loss Of Personal Assistant Program
(The Telegraph)
August 18, 2009
ALTON, ILLINOIS– [Excerpt] A disability rights agency is fighting Gov. Pat Quinn’s plan to eliminate what it says is a vital home services program to help balance the state budget.
The statewide Personal Assistant Program has been canceled, effective Sept. 30.
IMPACT Inc. of Alton is one of 22 state Centers for Independent Living that will cease to provide training to persons who rely on personal assistants for in-home services, to recruit and train potential PAs, and to maintain a referral list of trained PAs.
“This cut is far worse than any budget cut,” IMPACT Executive Director Cathy Contarino said. “If the governor doesn’t rescind his decision, there will be no hope that the program can survive. It’s devastating; he is cutting without thinking.”
For people with disabilities, PAs can mean the difference between living independently and being forced to spend their lives in institutionalized care.
Entire article:
IMPACT bemoans potential loss of home program
http://www.thetelegraph.com/news/wood-30198-impact-state.html
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