A new data and policy analysis reveals that providers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are still facing many challenges. A yearly report by United Cerebral Palsy and the ANCOR Foundation, revealed some of these hurdles have only gotten worse since the start of the pandemic.

You can read the full report by clicking here and see the latest workforce data by clicking here.

The Case for Inclusion 2022 report, found that a significant shortage of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), low and stagnant Medicaid reimbursement rates, and the rising costs to provide care mean a lack of full inclusion for people with I/DD. In fact, nationwide providers face a 43.6 percent turnover rate among DSPs. Rhode Island’s turnover rate is much higher at 56.9 percent.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic lingers, the system of care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities remains in crisis. In many ways, this crisis is far worse than before the pandemic…”

The data analysis also found that 77 percent of providers had to turn away new referrals and 84 percent delayed new programs due to the lack of staffing. The report suggests that a long-overdue investment in the entire system could begin to ease the national stress. Without this, the future of full, inclusive lives is at risk.

In Rhode Island, the long-term sustainability depends on S2311 & H7180. Watch the short video below to find out what problems this legislation would help solve.