Shapiro Administration expands ID/A services and reduces waitlist across Pennsylvania

Governor Josh Shapiro and Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), announced significant progress in expanding services for Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A). The announcement was made at Arc Human Services in Washington County, where families, advocates, and community leaders gathered to hear about recent advancements.

According to the administration, funding secured through the 2024-25 bipartisan budget has played a key role in these developments. Governor Shapiro emphasized that supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism, as well as the direct support professionals who assist them, has been a central focus since the beginning of his term.

Speakers at the event included Ed Picchiarini, CEO of ARC Human Services; Eugene Willis, a participant and board member with ARC Human Services; Dr. Val Arkoosh; and Mike Smith, a parent of an ARC Human Services participant.

The expansion is expected to provide access to ID/A services for 4,000 more Pennsylvanians. The administration also reported a 28 percent reduction in the waitlist for these services.