The Shapiro Administration’s multi-year growth strategy has resulted in more than 42,000 Pennsylvanians – the highest number ever – receiving services in their home or community and significant reductions in the job vacancy rate for Direct Support Professionals.
In just over two years since announcing its multi-year growth strategy, the Shapiro Administration reduced the adult emergency waiting list for services by 31 percent statewide.
Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration announced that Forest, Lawrence, and Warren counties eliminated their adult emergency waiting lists for intellectual disability and autism (ID/A) waiver services. This is the first time Pennsylvania counties have eliminated adult emergency waiting lists for services, and it marks a historic milestone in Pennsylvania’s efforts to ensure adults with ID/A are receiving the critical services they need when they need them.
Since February 2024 when Governor Shapiro announced his plan to end the adult emergency waiting list for ID/A services, 134 individuals with ID/A in Forest, Lawrence, and Warren counties have been enrolled in services – clearing the counties' emergency waiting lists and getting services to more people.
“Counties are at the frontlines in administering ID/A services, and they should be commended for their tireless and ongoing support of individuals and families in their communities. Forest, Lawrence, and Warren counties have achieved a landmark accomplishment by eliminating their emergency waiting lists for adult ID/A services and ensuring the supports that individuals need to live an Everyday Life,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “Thanks to Governor Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania has made incredible strides over the last three years in improving the lives of those with ID/A. We have proven that investments in counties and in ID/A services are yielding results, and we must keep this momentum going to serve even more Pennsylvanians and eliminate emergency adult waiting lists statewide.”
Since Governor Josh Shapiro’s historic investment of $354.8 million in federal and state funding secured in the 2024-25 budget, there has been a 31 percent reduction in the ID/A adult emergency waiting list for services. More than 42,000 Pennsylvanians currently receive services in their home and community. An essential part of this strategy includes targeted investments in the direct support professional (DSP) workforce who serve the ID/A community. Investments in service rates are enabling providers to increase wages and support recruitment efforts, substantially reducing the job vacancy rate for DSPs. These successes are thanks to the Shapiro Administration’s multi-year growth strategy for ID/A services and continued investments in the 2025-26 state budget.
To continue this progress, Governor Shapiro’s 2026-27 proposed budget invests $30 million of state funding and $36.2 million of federal funding to expand home and community-based program capacity for adults with ID/A. The additional funds will help enroll up to 1,625 new individuals in home and community-based Medicaid waiver services.
Expanding Opportunity for all Pennsylvanians with Disabilities
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has met directly with families, advocates, and service providers across Pennsylvania to understand the challenges facing the ID/A community. Through historic investments, innovative partnerships, and close collaboration with the disability community, Pennsylvania is moving in the right direction.
The Governor’s commitment extends beyond ID/A services to broader initiatives to ensure Pennsylvanians with disabilities are represented, supported, and protected in the Commonwealth. Governor Shapiro recently signed three executive orders further solidifying his commitment to this community. The Executive Orders include:
· Protecting the Rights, Dignity, and Privacy of People with Disabilities: reaffirms the Commonwealth's longstanding nondiscrimination commitment and ensures data collection by Commonwealth agencies is limited to the minimum data necessary and proper processes are followed. This order will ensure data collection by Commonwealth agencies is limited to the minimum data necessary and proper processes are followed by Commonwealth agencies, including collection in health care, research, and compliance in the law.
· Creating the Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities: commissioners will recommend policy changes across the disabilities spectrum, engage with federal/state/local agencies, communicate Administration initiatives to the public, and compile information on programs, funding, and additional supports to create an inclusive resource for individuals with disabilities and their family members across Pennsylvania.
· Updating the Developmental Disabilities Council: the Council will continue to advise the Governor on all matters affecting individuals with developmental disabilities in Pennsylvania, and advocate for improved independence, productivity, and community inclusion. The Council will continue to develop and implement a statewide plan and advocate for systemic change across the Commonwealth.
Learn more about Governor Shapiro’s Executive Orders on disabilities and autism.
Learn more about Governor Shapiro’s 2026-27 Budget proposal.
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