We represent a group (Save our Choice) of family members
and advocates of adult children who have I/DD (Intellectual/Developmental
Disabilities). The U.S. Centers for Medicareand Medicaid (CMS) has developed a new rule on allowable settings in which Home and Community-Based (HCBS) waiver services may be provided. Based on the
information we have to date, we are concerned that the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services will be developing Medicaid Amendments that will result in an "overly restrictive" implementation of this new rule. This overly restrictive approach will likely result in the closure of many pre-vocational workshops across Pennsylvania that are the chosen, and possibly the only, opportunities that a large portion of adults with I/DD depend upon for their employment.

It is an appropriate goal to assure that all of the adult individuals with I/DD who are capable of employment in integrated/competitive employment settings with or without employment supports are identified and
provided these employment opportunities.

However, there will still be a large number of adult individuals with
I/DD who are not capable of working in integrated/competitive employment
settings even with substantial employment supports.

These remaining adults have the same right as others to the satisfaction of employment "in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with disabilities." This means that the most appropriate setting for these individuals is not fully integrated/competitive employment even with employment supports but rather may be pre-vocational workshops or similar opportunities.

We are requesting you assist us in supporting an
individual's right to choose the services they meet to meet their needs. By signing this petition you are showing your
support and that is much appreciated!